Precious Occasions

Move Over Cupcake..

2012-01-20T15:03:00.000-05:00

The cupcake has been getting some serious competition lately when it comes to incorporating sweets at special events. Some of my favorite alternatives to the cupcake are cake push pops and cake pops. Cake push pops are a mixture of layers of cake, frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings, that are placed in individual plastic containers similar to the push up popsicles that were very popular in the 80s. Cake pops are essentially cake on a stick. Both of them are fabulous since they aren't as messy as a cupcake. Much like the cupcake, the ways to customize them are endless. They're cute, fun, and DELICIOUS! Below are some of my favorite. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: All photos from this post are from Pinterest.

2012 Color of the Year Combinations

2012-01-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! This is our first blog post for 2012 and we want to continue the conversation about the 2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango. While the vibrant color might seem a little intimidating to some, it actually is a pretty versatile color. As I stated in a previous post, this color can be used during any time of the year and can be used with a variety of colors. I wanted to provide you with some favorite combinations with Tangerine Tango. Hope you enjoy and get inspired! Which is your favorite?

Tangerine Tango and Gray - Modern and Sophisticated

Tangerine Tango and Pink - Fun and Playful

Tangerine Tango and Navy - Bold and Youthful

Tangerine Tango and Purple - Elegant

Photo credit: All photos in this post are from The Knot

Thank you 2011...bring on 2012!

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that it will be 2012 in less than 48 hours. It seemed like we were just celebrating the new year just the other day. As I sit hear writing this blog, I can help but think about the many challenges I've had both personally and professionally that I've been able to overcome and learn from as well as the many accomplishments I've had. We successfully transferred Precious Occasions from Tampa to South Florida. It was hard but we were able to do it and look forward to creating beautiful events and weddings with our future clients. I became a Certified Sandals Specialist as well as a Certified Mexico Destination Wedding Specialist and excited about helping future clients by offering these new services. I attended the Business of Brides Conference in Baltimore and learned so much from great wedding professionals that I met.

I'm so thankful for our many blessings! We had fun producing beautiful events for our 2011 clients, working with talented vendors, and appreciate the many referrals we received. I'm definitely looking forward to what awaits us in 2012. Thank you to all of our blog subscribers, twitter followers, facebook likers, and all others who continue to support us in different ways. Thank you for holding Precious Occasions down. We appreciate you and wish you a prosperous and amazing New Year! I don't know about you, but 2012 will be awesome!

~Emmanuela

2012 Color of the Year is Revealed

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Pantone recently announced the color of the year which is Tangerine Tango. This color will influence everything from fashion, makeup, and home decor. I'm not sure about you but I am so excited about this choice. I can't wait to see how it influences the event and wedding world. This color is all about high energy, positivity, and optimism. Who doesn't like a color that brings such excitement?

The great thing about Tangerine Tango is its versatility. This color can be used during any season. It can be chosen as the prominent color in the color scheme or an accent.

I was so inspired by this vibrant Tangerine Tango color that I created an inspiration board to share how this color can be used for you next special event. Enjoy!

~Precious Occasions

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas is only three days away! We would like to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. Whether you're planning on traveling or hosting guests at your home, we hope that you have fun creating great memories with loved ones.

We wanted to also share with you a winter wonderland inspiration board that we created for a recent client. Hope it inspires you. Happy Holidays!

~Precious Occasions

Discover Mexico...

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to share that I recently became a Certified Mexico Destination Wedding Specialist. If you follow my blog regularly, you'd know that I spent seven days last year visiting Mexico in celebration of my 2nd wedding anniversary. I absolutely fell in love with the culture, people, food, and beauty of the country. While there, I was already thinking about planning my next visit. When the opportunity came for me to possibly plan weddings there, I jumped at the chance. Here are a few things to keep in mind about Mexico.

Did you know that more than 30,000 U.S. couples choose Mexico as a destination wedding location each year?
The most popular locations in Mexico destination wedding locations in order of preference are Riviera Maya, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
Legal ceremonies that take place in Mexico are legal marriages in the U.S. More than 70% of U.S. couples who marry in Mexico, have civil ceremonies in the U.S. before having a symbolic ceremony in Mexico.
Some of the benefits of marrying in Mexico include amazing weather year round, ease of travel with frequent and inexpensive flights from most cities, countless hotel option for various budgets, numerous all inclusive properties in popular beach destinations, and plenty to do and see (nightlife, dining, culture, diving, whale watching, etc.).

With my recent certification, I look forward to sharing more information about this beautiful country and what it has to offer.

~Emmanuela Stanislaus

Beautiful Hyatt Clearwater Beach Wedding

2011-12-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Kristy and Jason came to us to plan their "destination wedding" at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. Both the bride and groom are from Rockledge, FL which is on the East Coast of Florida and three hours away from Clearwater. We had such a great time working with this fun and laid back couple. Everything turned out amazing despite the cold snap that surprised us on the day of their beach wedding.

Here's a list of the amazing wedding professionals that made this day happen:

Photography - Limelight Photography

Venue - Hyatt Regency Clearwater

Florist - Rose Garden Flowers

Cake - Chantilly Cakes

Linens - Got You Covered Linen

Officiant - Reverend Tom Green

Chair Rental - Signature Events by Design

DJ - Breezin' Entertainment

Wedding Planner - Precious Occasions

Hope you enjoy the photos below courtesy of Sarah McDonald of Limelight Photography!

~Precious Occasions

Engaged Now What??? First Planning Steps...

2011-12-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

Did you know that over 30% of engagements for the year take place between Thanksgiving and New Years? It's the time frame that wedding professionals affectionately call "engagement season". If you are one of these newly engaged couples, Congratulations! Getting engaged is such an exciting time but after a few weeks, the high starts to wear off and panic starts to settle in. You've never been married before so you start to worry about how to start planning the day you've been dreaming about all of your life. Here are my recommendations for the three things you should do first in the planning process.

First thing you'll need to do is figure out a budget. Sit down with your new fiance and discuss what you can realistically spend on a wedding. You'll also want to talk to your parents to see if there are any areas of the wedding budget that they'd like to contribute to. This is an essential part of the planning process since it will impact everything that you choose from the venue to your dress and flowers and everything in between.

The next thing you need to do is have a conversation about the number of guests you'd like to have at the wedding. The number of guests you have directly affects the budget. The both of you should develop a preliminary list of people you'd like to invite. The number of people you invite is directly related to your food costs and your venue selection since you need to be able to accommodate the number of guests. Another thing to keep in mind is that food for your wedding can take up to 40% of your budget so choose who you want to invite wisely.

Thirdly, think about the wedding location as far as the city and venue. What overall theme and feel do you want to incorporate in your wedding? Ask yourself the following questions. What will your colors be? What flowers and other elements do you want to use to create your vision? What time of the year do you want to get married? Once you have an idea of these things, then you should start researching and visiting venues. Be sure to consider those venues that support your wedding theme and do not compete with your color scheme. One thing to remember is the fact that you do not have a wedding date until you've placed a deposit with a venue. Just because you like April 27, 2013 for a wedding date doesn't mean that your dream venue will be available on that date so don't share your wedding date until you've firmed up everything with the venue.

These few things will get you started on a path to successfully planning your special day. Precious Occasions is here from this point if you're not sure where to go from here. We can help create the wedding of your dreams.

2011 Business of Brides Conference Recap

2011-11-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the annual Business of Brides conference in Baltimore, Maryland which is put on by the Association of Bridal Consultants. For those of you who may not know, the Association of Bridal Consultants is the oldest and largest organization exclusively serving wedding professionals and offers tons of professional development. This was my first time attending and I am so glad that I made the decision to go. It was such an amazing conference! I had a great time meeting and sharing ideas with wedding professionals from all over the world.

The conference was held in the historical Tremont Hotel. The architecture and decor was absolutely stunning! It served as a amazing backdrop to all of the activity that took place during the three day conference. My favorite session was hearing the key note speaker, Diann Valentine, host of WE Tv's "I Do Over". She was so inspirational and provided real advice that I plan to implement here at Precious Occasions. The most important lesson or "ah ha moment" that I had during her talk was that Precious Occasions sets the trend...we don't follow them. We're hoping to continue to be a leader in expertise, ideas, and customer service. I also attended a session that was about unique ways to Dazzle Your Reception. It was great learning the different ways to get the party started as well as neat ways to get the whole reception engaged in the reception. I can't wait to share these as well as create innovative ideas with my clients.

Another great session was the Sandals Resort Training where I became a Certified Sandals Specialist. This means that I can assist my clients in planning their next vacation at any of the Sandals family resorts which includes Sandals, Beaches, and Grand Pineapple Resorts. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, romantic anniversary trip, a family reunion, or girls getaway, Precious Occasions can now help you to find the right Sandals resort to fit your needs. I'm uber excited to be adding this to our services!

The Business of Brides conference provided us with the push that we needed to expand our destination wedding services. We have been planning destination weddings in the continental US but have been eager to expand this services outside of the states. I attended several sessions on planning destination weddings, spoke to and gathered information from a couple of Tourism Boards. I'm proud to say that I am a Certified Mexico Destination Wedding Specialist. With that being said, beginning in January 2012, Precious Occasions will be able to provide our clients with destination wedding planning services to Mexico as well as the Bahamas. I'm so excited about this news since I know that it wouldn't have been possible if I had not attended the Business of Brides conference. Look for these as well as so many other positive changes for Precious Occasions! We had such an awesome time in Baltimore and can't wait to attend next year's conference in Denver. Enjoy some of the pictures that I took while at the conference!

~Emmanuela

University of Tampa Inspired Wedding at Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel

2011-11-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

Precious Occasions recently had the pleasure of assisting Jamie and Jeremiah Brown with the planning of their September wedding at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel in Tampa. Both the bride and groom are alums of the University of Tampa which heavily influenced the color palette - red, gold, and black. It was great working with this laid back couple on their fall wedding. Hope you enjoy the few photos that we've included below of Jamie and Jeremiah's wedding day. Here's a list of the fabulous team of wedding professionals who had a hand pulling this wedding together:

Venue: Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel

Officiant: John Melchinger

Flowers: Apple Blossoms Florist

Video: Dunn Right Films

Chivari hairs: Event Design

Photobooth: Shutterbooth Tampa

DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates

Cake: Kristina Mattull

Ice Sculpture: Arctic Ice

Photographer: Richard Harrell Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Precious Occasions of course!

~Precious Occasions

Choosing Your Event Color Palette

2011-11-02T11:12:00.002-04:00

When I meet with potential and current clients, one area of the planning process that they seem to have the most difficulty in is choosing a color scheme for their event. It got me thinking that there might be others out there that are struggling with the same thing. Here are some easy ways to help you decide on a color palette.

Follow the cues from your event venue. One thing you don't want to do is compete with the colors in your event space. One of my past clients had a color scheme of light green and aqua blue and I can remember her considering a place that had the walls painted royal purple. The room was so dark which conflicted with the high energy event that she was planning to host. Booking this location would have sent conflicting messages to the guests as well as not look visually appealing. Needless to say, we didnt' go with that venue.
Get inspired by the season. Is your event taking place in the fall? The warm hues of the autumn season provide great inspiration for your color scheme. This technique certainly applies to winter, summer, and spring seasons. You don't have to look far for ideas.
Choose your favorite colors. You can definitely start by choosing one of your favorite colors then adding a complementary color and a neutral color (black, brown, white, gray, tan). Another option would be to use your favorite color but use maybe four different shades of your favorite color to create a monochromatic palette.
Choose as many colors as you want. One hang up people have is the number of colors you should have in your color scheme. If you want four colors, go for it! If you only want two, why not! There's no hard fast rule to this but I do tell my clients that five is probably a good limit.

For the visual people out there...here are some of my favorite tools that can help you see what colors will look like together. Hope you enjoy playing around with the millions of color combinations you can create!

Kuler

Color Scheme Designer

Colorbender

~Emmanuela

Formal Table Setting Made Easy

2011-10-25T13:37:00.001-04:00

Halloween hasn't passed yet and I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving. Are you planning to host this year's Thanksgiving feast or looking to plan a fabulous dinner party? You'll want to avoid the embarrassment of placing the dessert fork in the wrong place. Here's a neat table setting diagram created by Mrs. Lillian to make this process a little easier. Happy Planning!

Precious Occasions has moved...

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

We're so excited to announce that as of October 10th, Precious Occasions has relocated to South Florida! We're still available for weddings and special events but now in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area. Although we've moved, we are still able to provide event planning services for events in the Tampa Bay area or wherever the event location may be. Please contact us at our new number - 754-223-9903.

Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to growing Precious Occasions in the South Florida area.

~Emmanuela

Beautiful Anna Maria Island Wedding

2011-09-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

We had the pleasure of planning Joanne and Steve Patience's wedding on September 3rd at a private home on Anna Maria Island. It was a beautiful and intimate wedding for a couple that came to us wanting to plan a destination wedding. Joanne lives in Chicago and Steve lives in Seattle but wanted a wedding in Florida. The planning process started to become a little overwhelming from their long distant locations so they contacted us to make it easier. Here are some of the beautiful pictures taken by Warehouse Photography. Enjoy!

Here are all of the wonderful vendors that made their day happen:

Photographer - Ware House Studio (formerly Cristiana Paula Photography)

Officiant - Kathy DeMarco/Made for Each Other

Cake - Let Them Eat Cake
Linen - Connie Duglin Linens
Entertainment - Breezin' Entertainment
Flowers - Apple Blossoms Florist
Catering - Affordable Catering
Planner - Precious Occasions of course!

Trend Alert: Black Chalkboards

2011-09-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

I am loving the use of chalkboards in wedding and event design these days! What's really exciting about this trend are the unique and functional ways that they are being used. Here are some of my favorite chalkboard uses. Enjoy!

{Announce your menu}

{List the ceremony program}

{Let your guests know their assigned table}

{Display the table numbers}

{Welcome your guests}

Keeping Your Guests Cool

2011-09-07T12:27:00.001-04:00

Keeping guests cool can be a challenge during these hot summer months. With all the heat we've been experiencing, it's very important that you think about keeping your guests cool during your next outdoor event. One way to do this to to try not to host your event during the times when the Sun is at its hottest. Also, if possible, look into renting a tent to keep your guests comfortable. Be sure to keep the following things in mind as well.

Have plenty of water to keep your guests hydrated.

Provide your guests with parasols to keep them shielded from the sun.

Offer fans to your guests so they don't look for alternative ways to stay cool.

Have unlimited amounts of stay cool items like shaved ice, ice cream, popsicles, etc.

Fun Find Favs!

2011-08-24T12:48:00.001-04:00

I love finding fun and unique things that can be incorporated to weddings and events. I haven't done a fun find post in a while so I decided to include a bunch of my latest favorite fun finds in one post. Enjoy!

{Edible Jewelry by Artesanal Sweets}

{Custom photo puzzle to use as a guest book by BellaPuzzlesToo}

{Custom Wedding Photo View Master from Image3D}

{Frozen Cocktail Lollipops}

{Gummy shot glasses from vat19.com}

{Scratch-off save-the-dates from Someone Like You}

{Mexican Tile Cookies from Whipped Bakeshop}

Independent Wedding Planners vs. On-site Coordinators

2011-08-19T08:48:00.000-04:00

The topic of independent wedding planner vs. on-site coordinator never seems to gets old. To brides, it can be totally confusing trying to make sense of what an on-site coordinator’s responsibilities are for your wedding vs. a planner that you hire on your own. The thing that adds to the confusion is when you book your venue and the on-site coordinator tells you that you don’t need to hire a planner since they’ll be there. I find fault with that since some of these representatives will share this deceiving information with brides who value and trust their opinion and advice. Here are some of my opinions on the matter.

An on-site coordinator is there to look out for the best interest of their particular venue. Sure, they'll be there to ensure that the food you ordered is ready to go, that the room is set, and make sure that their staff is prepared to handle your group. However, they won't necessarily be there to handle everything that comes up.
Another issue that comes up is turnover of the staff at venues (particularly hotels). The person that you initially talk to may not be the person that is there on your actual wedding day. Just be aware that this is likely to happen. An even bigger issue, is the high possibility of the venue hosting multiple weddings on your wedding day that your on-site coordinator is responsible for. The on-site coordinator usually leaves after the meal is served whereas your wedding planner stays until the end to clean up and collect any of your keepsakes (i.e. guestbook, cake knife and server, etc.) for you.
If your ceremony, is in a separate location from your reception, the on-site coordinator at your reception site will not be there to handle the set-up and ensuring proper flow of ceremony. Also, don't count on them attending and/or managing your rehearsal either.

I say all of this to only educate you so that you can make an informed decision when it comes down to hiring a wedding planner or not. Wedding planners are not the luxury they once were and aren't reserved for the rich. There are planners available in all price ranges and are worth every penny, especially when you think of all of the stress that is avoided when you have a professional working on your behalf. Also, the relationships that we have with wedding vendors can help you stay within and sometimes come below your wedding budget.

Please avoid the mistake of relying on your venue’s on-site coordinator as your planner. On-site coordinators aren't able to serve as an advocate for you and since they're employed by the venue, they are not able to keep you best interest at heart. By hiring a planner yourself, you can rest assured that you have someone who is in your corner, focused on you, and making sure that your day is as happy and stress-free as possible.

Is it Fall already???

2011-08-11T11:39:00.001-04:00

I know that it's still August but I'm already thinking about Fall. I love how the Fall season influences events with the addition of warm colors in the palette. Lots of browns, oranges, reds, and greens...what's a girl not to love? Here's a Fall inspiration board to get you inspired. Enjoy!

Trend Alert: Paper Pom Poms

2011-08-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

First off, I can't even express how much I'm in love with the paper pom pom trend that has been showing up in event decor lately. Paper pom poms are a great and inexpensive way to dress up and add interest to an otherwise plain space. They look fun and when bright colored poms are used, they add a little boldness. Paper poms are great when hung by themselves but really make a statement when they're clustered together with bunches of poms and/or lanterns. The awesome thing about paper poms are that they're an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your event. Here are some neat ways that pom poms are being used. What do you think? Do you love them as much as we do?

Average Cost for Wedding Guests

2011-07-27T09:38:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder how much your guests are shelling out to attend your special day? We sometimes wonder that too so we scoured the internet and found some interesting numbers on the cost of weddings to your guests from the Engagement Experts. This is a great resource to help you understand that you're not the only one coming out of pocket, your guests are as well. It is so important to make sure that you show your guests how grateful you are for them attending your wedding especially after you see these numbers. I was surprised by some of the figures. What about you?

Via: EngagementExperts.com

Pink Summer Inspiration

2011-07-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Summer is in full swing which means it's unbearably hot here in Florida. Because of the heat, it means short bridesmaid dresses and finding creative ways to keep your guests cool. It also means weddings with more bold and playful colors. In my opinion, nothing says summer quite like pink does. Depending on the shade of pink you choose for your wedding or event, you can create a romantic atmosphere, a rustic one, or a whimsical one that brings out your inner child. In the following inspiration board that I've created, I went for more of a romantic feel. Hope you enjoy!

Signature Drinks with a Twist...

2011-07-06T12:54:00.001-04:00

Here's a new twist on the signature drink...signature drink popsicles! Can you say yummy?!? This is a fabulous way to add something unique to your next event. With it being the summer, I thought it was so appropriate to share this idea with all of you. You can personalize signature drink popsicles to fit your event colors or theme. Hosting a mexican style party, why not have a margarita popsicle? These are sure to be a hit with your guests and get the party started right! Here are a couple of my favorites along with the recipes. Enjoy!

Cherry Apple Whiskey Sour Popsicles

Ingredients:

3 cups cherries (weighing 1lb)

1 large green apple (weighing 6oz)

1 lime (weighing 3 1/2oz)

1 cup whiskey

½ cup of sweet and sour mix (homemade recipe follows)

Equipment:
8 (1/3-cup) ice pop molds and 8 wooden sticks

Directions:

Pit cherries; set aside. Peel away apple and lime skin and cut into quarters. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until mixture is pureed. Mixture will be thick. Pour mixture into popsicle forms and freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for 2-3 seconds.

Sweet and Sour Mix

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice

Place sugar and water in a sauce pan and heat until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and stir to combine. Set aside to cool before using.

Margarita Popsicles

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
Kosher salt, for garnish

Equipment:
8 (1/3-cup) ice pop molds and 8 wooden sticks

Directions:
Combine sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool, transfer to a blender with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime wedge and process until smooth. Pour into the popsicle molds and freeze for an hour. Insert sticks, then freeze until firm, preferably overnight. Remove from freezer and run cup under warm water to loosen popsicle. Garnish with kosher salt and serve. Enjoy!

Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Ingredients:
5 cups chopped seedless watermelon (1 1/4 pounds)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup silver tequila

Equipment:
8 (1/3-cup) ice pop molds and 8 wooden sticks

Directions:
Purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup, pressing on and then discarding solids. Skim off any foam, then pour into molds. Freeze 30 minutes. Insert sticks, then freeze until firm, about 24 hours.

Event Color Trend - Gray

2011-06-28T09:38:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite parts of the event design process is choosing the color palette. There's something about choosing colors that gets me so excited! I know...I'm an event planning nerd! Anyway, I'm not sure if you know, but yellow and gray has been a very popular color combination for events and weddings lately. As much as I like the combination, I would love to see gray paired up with other colors to create a unique palette. I've included some of my favorite gray combos that make me swoon. Enjoy!

Green & Gray

Orange & Gray

Purple & Gray

~Emmanuela

Follow Precious Occasions on Twitter

2011-06-16T08:36:00.000-04:00

We're excited to announce that Precious Occasions is now on Twitter! You can follow us at @PrecOccasions. We look forward to using Twitter to continue to share event planning tips and an inside peek at our daily adventures with all of you.

Hope to see you in Twitter World!

~Precious Occasions

Fatherly Love...

2011-06-08T09:47:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is just around the corner and I began to think about unique ways to involve fathers in wedding day celebrations. Father/daughter dances and him walking you down the aisle are great but there are other ways that you can involve your father in your special day.

Take Dad Shopping - If your father is like most dads, he probably hates shopping, especially shopping with women! However, he may feel compelled to participate if he's asked to accompany you to shop for your wedding dress. When I was getting married, I took my sisters, mother, and father with me to search for my wedding dress. My father looked so miserable being stuck with us for hours watching me try on dress after dress. However, when I came out in the twelfth dress, I do remember his reaction. He loved the dress and I think that made it easy decision for me. I think being included in the process, however grueling it was for him, helped him to feel a part of the big day.

Allow Him the Spotlight - You can provide your father with a chance at the spotlight by allowing him to make a toast at the reception or give a special reading during the ceremony. He would love the jester of being more than the guy that walked you down the aisle.

Buying Something New - An easy way to involve dad is to have him provide you with your "something new" item to wear on your wedding day. I think that it's always sweet for the bride to get a gift from the father.

What are some unique ways that you're involving your father in your wedding day?~Precious Occasions

Barbecue Inspiration

2011-05-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

With the approaching long holiday weekends of summer and the warmer weather, it usually means barbecue time with family and friends. Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and I thought it would be fun to create an inspirational board to get the ideas flowing for your weekend activities. Enjoy and get inspired!

Fun Find!

2011-05-20T13:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a great find for the DIY or budget conscious bride....save the dates by Vistaprint! Vistaprint has over 100 designs to choose from and you can create them as a postcard and/or magnet. If you're a talented graphic designer, you can even create your own design and upload it to have Vistaprint print off. The save the dates can just have text or you can add a picture from your engagement session with your photographer to personalize it. Here are a couple of my favorites! Enjoy!

Trends from the Royal Wedding

2011-05-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, it has been a week since we watched what has been dubbed the "wedding of the century". I must confess...I did not wake up at 4am to watch it live since I love my beauty rest. However, I did watch the whole ceremony later on and have a few thoughts on a couple of things that made me smile.

As much as I love cupcakes, nothing compares to the drama that a wedding cake provides and the Royal Wedding cake had tons of drama! It looked magnificent and I'm sure it tasted amazing! What I really loved were the intricate piping details and the beautiful sugar floral designs adorned on the cake. I really hope future weddings are influenced by those beautiful details.
It's okay if the bride is not the only person wearing white. Princess Catherine's sister, Pippa, wore an elegant white dress and so did the young girls that she had as attendants. Guess what? The world didn't come to an end! I'm sure that we'll see this trend applied to other weddings in the near future.
Princess Catherine was stunning in her wedding gown. I particularly loved the lace since it's a timeless yet modern style. I think that her dress will bring back this style which has been recently looked over for more embellished and trendy gowns.
I'm sure veils will be making a comeback as a result of the Royal Wedding! Veils didn't necessarily go anywhere but some brides have been opting for bird cage veils or none at all. The veil definitely completes the "elegant bridal look" and I'm looking forward to seeing more blusher, fingertip, and even chapel length veils.

What did you think of the Royal Wedding? Did it live up to the hype?

~Emmanuela

Precious Occasions Favorite - Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center

2011-04-28T15:20:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out another Precious Occasions favorite - Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center. The brand new conference center opened in Fall 2009 and offers options for both indoor and outdoor events. What I love about this venue are the upgrades that come standard when you book your event such as the floor length textured table linens and chavari chairs. The venue and staff are amazing! We're also proud to announce that Precious Occasions has just been named the preferred Wedding Planner for the Mainsail Conference Center! Don't hesitate to give the Catering Manager, Bonnie Walker, a call at 813-243-2620 for your next event.

Website: http://www.mainsailtampa.com/
Description of your event space: This is a brand new space with a grand ballroom that can seat up to 400 guests. It's modern decor with neutral color tone can coordinate with any color palette.
One piece of advice for people looking for an event space for their wedding: Make sure to ask for all the items that are included and pay attention to the details!
Do you have any other information that you want to share with our audience?: We have great reviews on weddingwire.com so check us out!

Also, don't miss the Bridal Open House event at the Mainsail Conference Center on June 15, 2011 from 5pm-8pm. There will be a mock wedding ceremony and reception with gifts for the first 20 attendees. You'll also have an opportunity to meet with super talented wedding vendors to learn more about their services. Precious Occasions will have a booth at the event so make sure you stop by to say hello.

~Precious Occasions

Spring Wedding Inspiration

2011-04-21T10:15:00.000-04:00

Spring is my favorite season of the year! Not only is the weather great (especially in Florida), but Mother Nature makes everything so bright and beautiful. There are plenty of things found in nature that can be used for wedding inspiration, but for me, nothing says Spring quite like the color yellow. Yellow is cheerful and vibrant and just makes me want to smile everytime I see it. Because of that, I've created this yellow wedding inspiration board just for you. Hope you get inspired!

~Emmanuela

5 Mistakes a Professional Wedding Planner Can Help You Avoid!

2011-04-15T08:58:00.003-04:00

There are countless ways that hiring a Wedding Planner can help you and your fiancé on your big day. Here is our list of five mistakes that hiring a Professional Wedding Planner can help you avoid.

Not choosing Professional Vendors: Working with a Professional Wedding Planner will automatically provide you with access to professional and trustworthy vendors that can bring the vision of your wedding day together. Professional Wedding Planners belong to wedding industry associations and are continuously meeting and working with vendors that we can suggest for your wedding. We will be able to provide you with recommendations to various vendors that are a good match for your style, budget, and personality.
Being unprepared for mishaps: One of the many jobs of a Professional Wedding Planner is to think about all the things that can go wrong and develop a plan for them before they occur. We have experience in executing a number of weddings/events so we can make couples aware of potential things that may become a problem and develop back up plans. We also provide you with access to our emergency kits which has anything you can ever need for any situation that would arise.
Signing contracts that don't protect you: Hiring a Professional Wedding Planner at the beginning of the planning process will save you money especially when it's time to sign contracts. A knowledgeable and experienced planner, will be able to review your vendor contracts prior to you signing them and let you know if there is language included that will cost you. We can make you aware of things that can be negotiated, added, or removed from the contract to save you money. Once the contract is signed, it is almost impossible to make changes to it if you notice something that makes you uncomfortable down the road. Wouldn't you want to hire a planner to make sure that you have everything covered?
Gaps in design concept execution: Professional Wedding Planners serve as your creative consultant to assist you in turning your dream day vision to reality. Many times couples may not know where to start or they develop a theme with several parts that don't translate to a cohesive event theme. We can help you develop a theme and design concept that is unique to you and your fiancé's personalities that translates to a beautiful design that makes sense.
Not allowing yourself or others to enjoy your big day: Choosing not to hire a planner for your wedding day, will prevent you from enjoying your day to the fullest. Among other things, a Professional Wedding Planner will contact all of your vendors prior to your wedding day, ensure that the space is decorated according to your vision, create a timeline for all of the vendors and participants to follow as well as make sure that everything flows, and they will handle any and all mishaps that occur, all while you're relaxing and preparing for your big day. Too many couples, make the mistake of not hiring a Professional Wedding Planner for their wedding, opting for their maid of honor, sister, mother, or others to help them perform these tasks. These people are here to enjoy your special day too. Do them and yourself a favor by hiring a Professional Wedding Planner.

Are there other mistakes that you avoided by hiring a Professional Wedding Planner? Please share...we'd love to hear about them.

~Precious Occasions

Precious Occasions Favorite - InterContinental Tampa

2011-04-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

I recently had the opportunity of meeting with Chuck Rodriguez, the new Catering Manager for the InterContinental Tampa Hotel. He's responsible for all social events booked at the hotel. We had a chance to chat about the hotel and what makes it unique. Enjoy the couple of pictures that I included of their location as well as some information about the InterContinental. Be sure to check out the InterContinental Tampa Hotel for all of your event needs. It is a beautiful hotel that offers great service and convenience.

Name of Company: InterContinental Tampa

Website: http://www.intercontampa.com/

What sets your space apart from other Tampa locations?: Honestly, I think our Atriums are the most unique to our hotel. Many couples are looking for an outdoor, garden design but Florida is a difficult location due to weather. Our Atriums offer the garden feel with waterfalls and fountain but keep a constant 70 degree temperature year round. Along with this, our courtyards are very elegant, offering a park feel with all the trees and will always have the atriums as a backup. As for our ballroom - it is a 5000 square foot, newly remodeled location which uses a 3000 square foot foyer space for cocktail receptions.

What's one piece of advice that you would like to provide couples looking for an event space for their wedding?: As important as selecting the proper space is - trust is most important. Make sure you feel comfortable with your catering manager so that trust and a relationship is established.

Do you have any other information that you would like to share with our audience?: We at the InterContinental Tampa strive for superiority in our service, food design, and quality. Because of my past experiences, my goal is to provide a ONE STOP shop for my couples and clients where they will be able to come to me for all aspects of planning along with Food and Beverage. I will be able to provide quality services and eliminate the challenge and time consuming labor of researching vendors personally.

Beautiful TradeWinds Resort Wedding

2011-04-05T09:12:00.009-04:00

We had the honor of assisting Roseanne and Leon McIntosh with the planning of their beautiful March wedding. Their wedding was held at the amazing TradeWinds Island Resort which provided a nice backdrop for their shades of pink and ivory wedding. The ceremony took place on the beach followed by cocktail hour on the terrace overlooking the ocean. The reception was held in the ballroom which was filled with candles to add to the romantic atmosphere that the couple wanted.

Roseanne and Leon were a truly special couple and we enjoyed being a part of their big day.

We had the pleasure of working with the following great vendors:

Planner - Precious Occasions...of course!
Photography - Basia Mille Photography
Linen - A Linen Valley
DJ - RJ Vida
Cake - Publix
Florist - For Better For Less Flowers
Venue - TradeWinds Island Resort

Enjoy the following pictures from the wedding.

~ Precious Occasions

McKenzie's 2nd Birthday Party!

2011-03-23T09:57:00.000-04:00

As you might remember, last year we planned McKenzie's Princess and the Frog themed birthday party. A couple of week's ago, we had the honor of planning her 2nd birthday party. This time we had an Elmo themed party since McKenzie is an absolute Elmo fanatic. It was loads of fun! We look forward to creating more birthday memories for her.

We'd like to thank the following awesome vendors for a great Precious Occasions event!

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake

Photographer: Sencere Moments Photography

Elmo & Face Painter: First Class Tampa Bay Clowns

Balloons: Celebration Balloon Center

Elmo Chocolate Pops: Debbie's Chocolate Delights

Event Planner: Precious Occasions...of course!

Here are a few pictures from the event! Enjoy!

~Precious Occasions

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

Precious Occasions would like to wish you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day! In honor of this holiday, we've created a green wedding inspirational board. Enjoy!

Premier Bridal Showcase - March 13th

2011-03-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

Be sure to attend the 2nd Annual Premier Bridal Showcase hosted by Maestro's from 12pm-3pm on Sunday, March 13th. Precious Occasions will have a booth at the show so stop by to say hello and also meet the other talented wedding vendors that Tampa Bay has to offer. See below for more information. Hope to see you there!

A Reason To Celebrate!

2011-02-28T10:34:00.001-05:00

Today, Precious Occasions is celebrating our 2nd anniversary! It's hard to believe that just two years ago, my dream of owning my very own event planning company became reality. I'm actually living my dream...that's wild! I am forever grateful for our clients who trust us everyday to work on their behalf to create and execute some of their cherished memories. We really do have some of the best clients! We are also so thankful for the talented vendors that we have the opportunity to work with for each event. They truly make us look good and it's great to work with some of the most talented people in the industry. This year has already started off great with the unveiling of our new company logo and newly designed website.

We look forward to many more years of growth in the company, increased involvement in the event/wedding industry as a whole, and continuing to create beautiful memories and events for our past, present, and future clients!

Happy Birthday to us!!

Taking Care of Your Vendors

2011-02-09T12:41:00.001-05:00

The dictionary defines tipping as a voluntary additional payment made for services rendered. This is a usual practice in the restaurant and hospitality industries among others, however, I am surprised when my clients don't think of or budget for providing tips to their vendors especially those vendors that go above and beyond expectations.

While the amount you tip is totally up to your discretion, here are my thoughts on what you should tip your wedding vendors, provided they've done a great job and you're satisfied with their work/services. In addition to providing a tip, it is also nice to send a thank you card.

Officiant - $50 - $100

Ceremony Musicians - 15% of their contract

Hairstylist/Make-up Artist - 15% of their total

DJ - $50-$75; if you have a band it's $25 per musician

Limo Driver - 15% of the contract

Photographer - $50-$75

Videographer - $50-$75

Delivery staff - $5-$20 each

Florist/bakers - typically do not receive a tip but if you choose to provide one, then 15% is the standard

Planner - not necessary but if they've provided excellent service, you can provide a tip of 10% of their service fee

Prior to your wedding, you can provide your Wedding Planner with pre-labeled envelops to distribute to your vendors when their services are completed so that you don't have to worry about it.

Happy Planning!

Save Some Green!!!

2011-02-02T18:30:00.001-05:00

Candles are an inexpensive way to add warmth and a romantic feel to your event. They come in a variety of colors so it is pretty easy to use them while coordinating with your event color scheme. Candles can be used in numerous ways. I personally love the look of clustered pillar candles of varying heights like the ones pictured on the right. A simple way to use candles is by placing votive candles around the centerpieces of each guest table. You can even place the votive candles in colored candle holders to give your table a pop of color. Another way to use candles is adding floating candles to glass cylinders filled with water to decorate the aisle at a wedding ceremony.

Because of how inexpensive candles are, you can use a ton to add a dramatic affect. Here are some pictures of great candle uses. Happy planning!

~Precious Occasions

Precious Occasions Favorite - Seaside Invitations

2011-01-20T13:30:00.001-05:00

I really love the blog entries where I showcase some of my favorite vendors and today I'm spotlighting Seaside Invitations! Their staff creates simply amazing things with paper! I'm talking everything from letter press invitations to hand painted save the dates. If you're searching for unique and personalized invitations for your wedding or special event, you definitely will want to see what they have to offer you.

We recently had some time to chat with Alicia, owner of Seaside Invitations and here's what she had to share. Also, enjoy a few photos of some of the work that she's done.

How would you describe your style or work?

We are a custom invitations studio. We believe that no two events are ever alike and either should the invitations. All of our designs are hand drawn or painted in our studio. Our formula for an amazing invitation is 1 part clean and simple design, 1 part beautiful patterns and luxurious paper, 1 part printing technique whether its hand pressed for beautiful letterpress or its finely inspected through a digital press or hand painted and 1 part love.

What the most favorite thing about your job?

I have a lot of favorite things. My number one favorite thing is that I love that I am doing what I love with the one I love, my husband. We have formed such a great time. That’s actually where our tag line “art meets paper” comes into play. He is the art and I am the paper. I love working brides and taking their vision and creating a beautiful piece of artwork for them and their guest to cherish that speaks volumes of their event.

One piece of advice would be to ask questions about the process of designing your invitations, know your budget and allow enough time for your designer to create a one of a kind piece that speaks to your personality and event.

What are must have things for invitations or any other information that you want to share?
All brides and grooms no matter what their budget is deserve to have their invitations printed a beautiful heavy stock paper, printed with a full color press that allows vibrant color and have each one finely expected and hand crafted. At the minimum this is what we provide. We love enhancing the invitations by adding really beautiful patterned or textured papers, pocket-folds, rhinestones, ribbons, paper layers and even shells.

Be sure to check out Seaside Invitations! Visit their website at www.seasideinvitations.com and blog at www.seasideinvitations.com/blog.

Engagement Photos

2011-01-13T10:22:00.000-05:00

On of the first things that many couples get really excited about once they get engaged is taking their engagement photos. It is usually the official photo that you use to show your love for each other and the anticipation of your upcoming big day to your family and friends. For some, it is the first time having professional photos taken of the couple. Engagement photos are a great way to be creative and fun. You have the opportunity to make it personal by having the photo shoot at a location that is meaningful to the both of you.

Many photographers include these special photography sessions as a part of their wedding photography packages. Because of this, it is a great way to try out your photographer before your wedding.

Outside of using engagement photos for formal announcements in the local newspaper, many people aren't sure how to use the photos once they have them. Here are a few ideas of how you can use your engagement photos-

Use them for your save the dates
Showcase your photos on your wedding website
Create a photo book for your guests to view and/or sign during the cocktail hour
Use different photos for each of your guest tables as table number signs
Incorporate them in a slideshow showcasing your relationship journey to the alter
Send a copy to your wedding guests
Use them in a collage of photos for your thank you cards

How are you using your engagement photos? We'd love to know.

Want to know more about engagement photos? Leave a question in the comment section and we'll answer it.

Happy Planning!

Matrimony Monday

2011-01-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

Did you know that yesterday was Matrimony Monday? According to OneWed.com, the Monday following New Year's day is the biggest wedding planning day of the year. About 40% of engagements take place during the holiday season every year. If you are one of these newly engaged couples, Congratulations! Second, I thought that I would share a previous entry that we wrote about the first steps to successfully planning your big day. Enjoy and good luck!

~Precious Occasions

Goodbye 2010...Hello 2011!

2010-12-31T10:40:00.000-05:00

Wow...2010 was some year! We started off the year pretty excited and hopeful and we're ending it the same way. We've been able to accomplish a lot in 2010 and look forward to making 2011 another amazing year. We've launched a new company logo and website this week which helps to start the year off with a bang!

We are so grateful for all the successes and even the set backs throughout the year since they all provided learning and growth opportunities for us. We'd like to thank our clients, new and old, and the Precious Occasions fans and followers for all of your support this year. We look forward to discovering what the future has in store for us.

Hears to another fabulous year! Happy New Year!

New Precious Occasions Website!

2010-12-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

We're so excited to announce the launching of our newly designed website. It's the same web address (www.precious-occasions.com) but a completely new look. It has been a labor of love but we're happy with the end result. Enjoy!

~Precious Occasions

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T08:52:00.002-05:00

This is my favorite time of the year. People are in the happiest moods and are ready to spread their holiday cheer to everyone including strangers. The holiday season is the time for spending time with family and counting your blessings. I hope that you have a great time with family and loved ones during this holiday season. We will be taking some time off to celebrate the holidays with family. We'll be back in the office on the 27th. Happy Holidays!

Fun Find!

2010-12-16T09:22:00.002-05:00

I found these really unique cake toppers on Etsy and had to share! They're definitely a different spin on the perfect pair theme that is typically used with weddings. The cool thing about these toppers is that they double as salt and pepper shakers. So, you can use them in a practical way after the wedding is over if you wish.

What do you think? Would you use them for your wedding?

Choosing an officiant!

2010-12-08T10:46:00.002-05:00

For those not well versed in wedding terminology, an officiant is the person that leads or officiates the ceremony. States dictate who can officiate wedding ceremonies so this can vary. In the state of Florida, any ordained or licensed clergy, notary publics, and justices of the peace can serve as an officiant.

If you're trying to figure out how to choose an officiant, the first thing you'll want to do is check with the clerk of courts office in the county that you plan to marry. Sometimes, counties have a list of approved officiants that you can't deviate from. After you do that, you'll want to think about the following things when choosing an officiant.

Ask your married friends for referrals. It's as simple as it sounds. We trust our friends and look to them for referrals from good plumbers to dentists. Why not ask them about their wedding officiant?

Meet with at least three officiants. The goal is to see who the both of you feel comfortable with. Discuss your ideas for the ceremony and determine which officiant is receptive to them and offers any ideas or suggestions.

Another thing to keep in mind, is the location of your ceremony. If you are having your ceremony in a church, you may not have a choice of who your officiant is or the format of your ceremony. Have a discussion with the church officials to see if your needs will be served by choosing them for a ceremony location.

Lastly, I like to advise my brides and grooms to go through pre-marital counseling. Counseling is great for discussing some of those issues that might creep up during the marriage in a non-threatening way. You have the opportunity to learn how to fight fair, compromise, and discuss expectations of each other. See if the officiants you're interviewing would be able to provide this for you in addition to officiating your wedding.

Happy planning!

I heart orchids!

2010-11-30T10:32:00.002-05:00

So...my frequent blog readers should be familiar with my love affair with flowers. From hydrangeas to ranunculus to peonies, I've shown that I'm not shy about my love of beautiful flowers. The latest addition to this favorite flower story line is the classic orchid. If I could sum up the overall feeling that orchids give an event in one word, it would be elegance. These flowers are simple yet dramatic. They are an easy way to add a modern feel to any wedding or event.

Orchids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Of all of the species, the phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids have to be my favorites! Their colors range from white, yellow, purple, and pink. For floral arrangements, orchids are simply beautiful by themselves but are equally beautiful when paired with other flowers like calla lilies and roses. Are any of you in love with orchids as much as I am? What's your favorite thing about them?

Choosing Your Wedding Party

2010-11-16T09:57:00.002-05:00

So, you just got engaged and now you're deciding on who you want to stand up for you at your wedding. You want to make sure that you have the right people since this is such a big honor. Your wedding party includes a maid of honor or matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and ushers. Sometimes choosing the right people can be difficult. As you know, I'm all for breaking the rules so my feelings are any of these positions are optional. Here are a couple of things to think of when choosing people for your wedding party.

Size - The average size of a wedding party is 10-12. You'll need to determine the size of your wedding party in order to figure out who you will consider. The size of your wedding party is related to the size of your overall wedding. You want the previous things that I mentioned to be proportionate. For example, if you will have 70 guests, you don't want to have a wedding party of 20.

Cost - Consider the costs associated with being a member of the wedding party. Some people will not be able to because of financial limitation. They'll have to travel for the wedding, purchase attire, accessories, and a number of other things. While being a part of your wedding party would be a honor, some may not be able to take on the role.

Obligation - Just because you were in someone's wedding, doesn't mean that you owe them an invitation to be a part of your wedding party. Typically, the wedding party is made up of family and close friends. Make sure that the individuals you choose are those that you have meaningful relationships with and that you see being your friend 20 years from now. It's a special day and you want special people to share your special day with you. You'll want to choose people who are responsible, helpful, and genuinely happy for the both of you.

Good luck!

~Precious Occasions

Happy Veterans Day!!

2010-11-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

Precious Occasions would like to thank all of the men and women that have served our great country! Thank you for your unselfish sacrifice to uphold our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!

Grooms can have cake and eat it, too!

2010-10-27T14:05:00.001-04:00

Groom cakes are all the rage in weddings over the past couple of years. What some may not know is that the groom cake is a tradition originating from the south. It was originally created as a gift from the bride and groom to their guests and usually incorporated chocolate and liquor in the list of ingredients.

Presently, the groom cake is used as a fun way for the groom to add his personality to the wedding by incorporating his hobbies and/or interests in the design of the cake. It's usually displayed next to the wedding cake then cut and placed in boxes for guests to take home. Here are some fun groom cakes that I found. Are any of you planning to have a groom cake at your wedding? What's the inspiration for the cake design?

Photo Credit - We've Got the Keys

Photo Credit - Frosted Garden

Photo Credit - Lets Have Cake

Save Some Green!!!

2010-10-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

Did you know that you could save some money on your next event, just by being flexible with your event date? Many locations have higher price points for renting or securing their venues on Saturdays since that is a very popular date for events. You can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars by booking an off beat day.

Another way to save some money is by looking at holding your event during a breakfast, brunch, or lunch time frame. If you're serving a meal during those times, it will be far more affordable when compared to the cost of a dinner program. Also, if you have an event during a time other than dinner, your guests won't expect alcohol to be served. Alcohol can take up a good chuck of your budget so eliminating that equals out to additional savings!

~Precious Occasions

Spring 2011 Colors Released!

2010-10-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

Pantone recently released their color predictions for the Spring 2011 season and guess who's excited...ME! For those that don't know, Pantone is the leading authority on the color trends that affect everything from handbag and clothing stores, to the paint colors available at your hardware store, and even down to the wedding colors that couples choose.

The new colors are very exotic and full of energy. I can't wait to see how this plays out in the color schemes of weddings for 2011. I've included the color palette below for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

~ Precious Occasions

Breaking Traditions

2010-10-06T10:35:00.004-04:00

Weddings are full of traditions which origins are sometimes unclear. I'm all for breaking rules to fit the couple's personality or match the feel that they want for their wedding. For my 2008 wedding, we decided to have an adult only wedding. We didn't even have a flower girl or ring bearer. For us, it was all about having adult fun and wanting our friends with kids to have a night of fun without them.

Below, I've included a few traditions that I think we can all do without. What are your thoughts?

White dresses/white shoes - I think that this is a slowly dying tradition. White is not always a flattering color on skin tones. There are so much more appealing colors available such as ivory, champagne, and diamond. Not only do they look better than stark white dresses, but depending on the fabric, it shimmers against the light which makes you look great! I am not advocating brides wearing red or black dress or anything like that, just softer variations of white. I think when a bride chooses to wear red or any other color that is far from white, you loose that magically bride feeling. However, I do love adding a splash of color in the bride's shoes.

Matching bridesmaid dresses - I love it when brides choose the color of the bridesmaid dresses but allow the girls to choose the style that works with their personality and body type. The mismatch in dresses keeps things interesting but the constant color keeps things uniformed.

Garter/bouquet toss - You can tell that this is a dying tradition. It doesn't seem like the single women or men attending weddings are dying to get out of their seats to catch the garter or bouquet. I always see the bride and groom calling their friends and family out to the floor to reluctantly catch the symbolic symbol of pending matrimony. In my opinion, I don't think anyone will miss not having this on the reception agenda. Just keep the party going with the music...your guests will thank you for it!

~Precious Occasions

Sydney's Sweet Sixteen

2010-09-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month, Precious Occasions had the pleasure of coordinating a sweet sixteen birthday party for a lovely young lady, Sydney. We had an awesome time planning the whole masquerade themed party for 200 guests! Thank you to all the great vendors that helped to bring this event together.

Venue/Catering: The Lakeland Center/Ovations

Entertainment: DJ MJS of Precious Occasions

Florist: Beyond Floral

Balloon Decor: Party People Celebration Company

Linen: Connie Duglin

Cake: Sweetie's Delights

Photographer: Joseph Averritt

Photobooth: Shutterbooth

Event Planner: Precious Occasions of course!

Enjoy the following highlights from the event!

Grand Opening in Tampa!

2010-09-20T19:31:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Events in Bloom & Carrie Wildes Photography! We were lucky enough to attend the grand opening last week for a brand new space shared by both of these vendors. Events in Bloom showed off their bold floral designs and Carrie displayed her stunning photographs. The space was beautifully decorated with great lighting, an assortment of beautiful flowers including calla lilies hanging from the ceiling, and not to mention the delicious dessert buffet created by Precious Occasions favorite, Chic Sweets! These ladies really know how to throw a party. They even had signature drinks, berry wild and twisted tulip, which coordinated with their company logo colors!

If you're looking for one of a kind floral arrangements and fun yet modern photos for your next event, definitely check both of these talented ladies out! Enjoy the following photos taken by Carrie.

End of Summer...

2010-09-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

Labor day was Monday which typically signifies the official end of Summer. I'm in Florida so it really doesn't mean anything for us since the weather stays unbelievably warm! I love the Fall since it means the ability to use warm colors in weddings and events. I've been trying to get some inspiration and here are a few that I've found for this Fall season. Enjoy!

Precious Occasions Favorite - Chic Sweets

2010-09-02T10:47:00.001-04:00

Candy and dessert tables/bars have become very popular addition to weddings, parties, and other special events over the past recent years. It's another way to add elements of your personality and event concept to your big day. Natalie Clamp, Dessert Table Stylist and owner of Chic Sweets, is very creative and does an awesome job with incorporating event themes and colors into designing candy and dessert tables. Chic Sweets is a Precious Occasions favorite and I recently had an opportunity to ask a few questions and have included the answers and pictures of some of her work in this blog entry. Enjoy!

Name of Company - Chic Sweets

Website and Blog - www.chicsweets.net and www.welcometochicsweets.com

How would you describe your style? - Modern, Clean, and Fun. For Chic Sweets, we aim to capture all of this. One of the most important (and fun) things about our job is just being able to tell our client's vision through our candy and dessert tables.

What is the most favorite thing about your job? - Just being able to be creative and come up with a concept for each table. We pride ourselves in creating a table that will be unique for our clients. From the colors that we use, to the desserts that are incorporated, every Chic Sweets table is unique.

What's one piece of advice for people looking for a dessert table stylist? Does your dessert stylist ask you questions about your event/wedding day? - For me, the window to creating a fantastic table is really understanding our client and their expectations. Also, I always encourage our clients to review our portfolio of our most recent work from past events.

Photo Credit - Aaron Lockwood Photography

Photo credit - Moberg Photography

Photo credit - Victor's Photojournalism

If you're looking to have a candy or dessert table at your next event, definitely give Chic Sweets a call. You'll be happy you did! Don't forget to tell them Precious Occasions sent you.

Trend Alert - Chiavari Chairs

2010-08-24T09:19:00.000-04:00

Chaivari chairs are very popular with weddings and special events these days. These chairs instantly add elegance and uniqueness to any event space. I absolutely LOVE them!

Chaivari chairs come in a variety of colors including white, black, gold, silver, and assortments of brown. The rental price ranges between $7-$10 per chair. The beauty with these chairs are that they make such a strong statement on their own but you can also dress them up with chair pads that coordinate with your event colors, flowers, chair jackets, and/or chair ties.

Enjoy the examples below of how chaivari chairs can be incorporated in your next event.

~Precious Occasions

Fun Photo Books

2010-08-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

So, you hired a photographer for your last event and asked for a disk of all of the photos taken. You finally get the disk of pictures...now what? How can you showcase your pictures in a nice and inexpensive way? I think that a lot of people ask themselves this very question. I've done some research for my personal pictures and found several companies that provide inexpensive photo books that are gorgeous and easy to make. These books are awesome coffee table books and great conversation starters. All of these options offer a variety of backgrounds and layouts, different book sizes, and the ability to add captions.

Check out the following options that I've listed and see which one will work best for you! There are other options available but these were the ones that I liked the best considering pricing, size options, the ability to customize, quality, and ease of use.

Kodak
Shutterfly
Picaboo
Inkubook

Good luck!

Choosing Favors

2010-08-12T13:23:00.000-04:00

Whether you're planning a sweet sixteen party, a wedding, or a retirement celebration, favors are an important way to show how grateful you are to all of the people who traveled near and far for this milestone event. Be sure to spend some time thinking about a great way to show your appreciation to them. Carefully choosing a favor that is meaningful, will cut back on guests throwing favors away or leaving them behind. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a favor for your next event.

Choose to have personalized favors. The personalization can come in the form of including the date of the event, the name of the event, and/or the name of your guest. Another way to personalize your favors is to have something that relates to the theme of the event or something that reflects the personality of the individual or couple that the event is honoring.

Favors do not need to be expensive. Remember, it's the thought that counts! The other side of the coin is to make sure that your favor isn't cheap either. A good amount to spend on favors is between $3 and $6 per person.

Think about purchasing favors that are practical. Don't spend your money purchasing useless favors for your guests. If your guest can use the favor for something practical, they will be more likely to keep it. Things such as wine bottles, candles, coasters, or something edible are sure to be used by your guests.

Be original and have fun choosing your favors!

~Precious Occasions

Professional Wedding Consultants vs. On-site Coordinators

2010-08-03T12:37:00.003-04:00

The other day, I was having a conversation with a bride who was so excited that her wedding venue assigned her an event planner (on-site coordinator) for her wedding day. She informed me that she didn't need to hire a wedding consultant because her venue will be taking care of everything. Her comments really got me thinking about all the other people out there that may be relying on only a venue's on-site coordinator for assistance since there are huge differences between the two. Here are some things to think about when you're considering not hiring a wedding consultant because your venue has an on-site coordinator.

An on-site coordinator is there to look out for the best interest of their particular venue. Sure, they'll be there to ensure that the food you ordered is ready to go, that the room is set, and make sure that their staff is prepared to handle your group. They won't necessarily be there to handle everything that comes up. Few on-site coordinators will contact all of your vendors to make sure that they know when or where to show up. Another issue that comes up is turnover of the staff at venues (particularly hotels). The person that you initially talk to may not be the person that is there on your actual wedding day. Just be aware that this is likely to happen.
On-site coordinators are not aware of all aspects of your wedding day to best solve any issues that may arise. An on-site coordinator will not attend vendor meetings with you. Who's to say that when your linen company shows up with the wrong linens, that your on-site coordinator will even know? A wedding consultant that you hire will know these things because they would have attended meetings with you, assisted you in making decisions, etc. Even if you end up hiring a day of coordinator, that coordinator will meet with you to get acquainted with your wedding so that they will know when something is wrong.
What if your ceremony location is in a totally different location from your reception site? Guess what...the on-site coordinator at your reception site will not be at your ceremony location handling the set-up and ensuring proper flow of ceremony. Also, don't count on them attending and/or managing your rehearsal either.
An on-site coordinator will not serve as a liaison between you, the DJ/band, photographer, and other vendors but a hired wedding consultant will. Things don't always go according to the established wedding time line. For example, if you decide to change the order so that the garter toss is before the cake cutting, who will inform the DJ so that he cues up the correct song? Who will make sure that the photographer stops shooting photos of the guests and gets in place to capture this moment? Don't count on the on-site coordinator to do it.

I say all of this to only educate you so that you can make an informed decision when it comes down to hiring a wedding consultant or not. Wedding consultants are reasonably priced, when you think of all of the stress that is avoided when you have a professional working on your behalf. Also, the relationships that we have with wedding vendors can help you stay within and sometimes come below your wedding budget. If you still feel that hiring a wedding consultant is not in your budget, please consider hiring a day of coordinator to execute all for the things that you have planned for your special day.

Happy planning!

~Precious Occasions

I heart ranunculus!

2010-07-28T10:24:00.001-04:00

By now, you all should know about my love affair with flowers. I love their smell and how they liven up the dullest space. I absolutely love flowers and I try to incorporate them in all the events that I produce.

Having said all that, I would like to share my latest favorite flower with all of you...the ranunculus. This flower is beautiful yet simple. They look similar to roses but I think that they're pretty whimsical because of their paper-like layers. Ranunculus range from yellow, red, pink, white, and orange. A centerpiece or bouquet with just ranunculus make a bold statement but they also go well with hydrangea, roses, and tulips.

Hope you learn to love this flower as much as I do!

Trend Alert - Feathers!

2010-07-15T09:17:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but feathers have been all the rage in everything event related these days. I've seen feathers incorporated in bridal party headpieces, wedding gowns, floral arrangements, and just about any other design element that you can think of. Feathers really add a sophisticated and modern yet whimsical feeling.

Apple Blossoms Florist owner, Scott Darhower, recently created a floral arrangement for a bridal show that I participated in and it was amazing. He incorporated feathers in the cluster of flowers and had a feather wreath at the base of the vase. All of the brides were super excited about the centerpiece. Here are a couple of pictures of the arrangement in all it's awesomeness!

Enjoy!

Summer Happenings!

2010-07-06T09:17:00.000-04:00

Summer is here and so are our super hot summer specials! In celebration of summer, we are offering 20% off our Partial and Full Coordination packages. Our Day of Coordination package can also be booked at a discounted rate of $625. We're so excited to be offering these specials so that the talented team at Precious Occasions can be a part of creating a memorable occasion for you and your guests. Call us at 813.489.4381 to learn more and to set up a complimentary consultation!

This offer ends September 15, 2010. The above specials apply to 2010/2011 weddings and special events and must be booked by September 15, 2010.

Also, don't miss Precious Occasions at the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show on Sunday, July 11th from 12pm-4pm at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Tampa. Be sure to attend and see what the great wedding vendors in Tampa have to offer you for your special day. Don't forget to stop by our booth to say hello!

Tickets are $10 on the day of the event and $5 if you pre-register at http://www.tampabride.com/. I have a ton of free tickets so please contact me at 813-489-4381 if you'd like some. For more info, visit http://www.tampabride.com/.

Have a great Tuesday!

Trend Alert - Escort Cards!

2010-06-29T09:34:00.011-04:00

As you know, I'm always looking for new trends in the event planning industry that I can incorporate in my events as well as share with all of you. My latest trend alert involves escort cards. Some call them seating cards or table-assignment cards but their all the same thing. These are used at events that have assigned seating and include the guest's name and table assignment so they know where to sit. This information is usually included on a card hence the phrase "escort card". Who says that they have to be on boring cards? There are so many creative ways to let guests know where to sit. Here are just a few from The Knot.

~Precious Occasions

I'm back!!!

2010-06-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! I'm back from my anniversary trip to Mexico and I'm refreshed and ready to go full throttle at accomplishing the goals of Precious Occasions! We spent seven days at the Dreams Resort & Spa in Tulum which was truly amazing. I highly recommend this beautiful, all-inclusive resort to anyone planning a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. The grounds were immaculate. The food and entertainment were all great. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and always ready with your daily dose of Tequila shots!

Even though I was on vacation, it seemed like I couldn't get away from work related things. I saw at least four beach weddings at the resort and one at a cute church while we were doing some shopping in Playa Del Carmen. I couldn't help but peek in on the ceremonies and receptions. What can I say...I love weddings! My poor husband and friends were forced to come along with me. They don't share my infinite love for weddings so it was a little painful for them.

Anyway, I've included some pictures from my wedding crashing adventures in Mexico! Enjoy!

Cute Mexican wedding chapel at the Dreams Resort & Spa - Tulum

Beach ceremony at Dreams Resort & Spa - Tulum

Night reception by the pool

~Emmanuela

Chocolate Goodness...

2010-06-16T13:45:00.001-04:00

Okay...so anyone who knows me, knows that I love chocolate! I recently found an amazing and unique way to show off your wedding day menu and I almost drooled a little. It's awesome since it can potentially serve two purposes...a menu and chocolaty favor! Anyway, check out these pictures from brides.com. I particularly love the the gold lettering. It will totally let your guests know that they're attending a classy and fabulous event.

Candy Art USA is the company that makes this great product. Photos are a courtesy of Candy Art USA.

Enjoy!

Gone...but not really!

2010-06-14T10:15:00.006-04:00

Today marks the 2nd wedding anniversary for my husband and I. We're celebrating by taking a 7-day trip to Mexico with one of our favorite couple friends who are celebrating their one-year anniversary as well. I wrote this blog entry before I left so that you wouldn't experience separation anxiety from me not blogging. Anyway, I return back to the US on June 18th so hopefully I'll have some Mexican inspirations to share with you.

In celebration of my anniversary, here are a couple of pictures from my 2008 wedding. Enjoy and have a great week!

Precious Occasions Favorite - Tom Stango

2010-06-07T10:45:00.001-04:00

Check out Tom Stango, Precious Occasions favorite for ballroom dance instruction. Tom is awesome and has a true passion for what he does. I recently had the pleasure of asking him a few questions about what he does and have included the answers for your viewing pleasure. Contact him for to take ballroom dance classes for your wedding or next special occasion.

Name of Company - Tom Stango - Ballroom Dance Instructor

Website - www.tomstango.com

Why is your service important to brides? - In my 12 years of service, most brides (and very few grooms) do not want to make fools of themselves when they dance at their wedding with their spouse. They want to be able to do more than simply rock back and forth for 4 minutes and bore their guests. I provide these couples with the basic dance skills they can use to feel comfortable and confident dancing to their wedding song.

How would you describe your style or work? - I specialize in teaching beginners and people with "two left feet". In my tenure as a dance instructor and a corporate computer software trainer, I have taken courses which have developed my skills for teaching beginners. As any of my students will attest to, I am a very patient, kind, and fun instructor. I understand people are nervous about taking dance lessons and are under the misconception that learning how to dance is difficult and complex. For these reasons, I break the dancing down into very manageable, easy-to-learn steps so anyone can learn it. I also incorporate a lot of humor to make the learning educational, entertaining, and fun!

What is your favorite thing about your job? - When I see a couple smile because they realize they are dancing together for the first time, and because they learned how to dance. This what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Do you have one piece of advice for people looking for a dance instructor for their wedding? - Find someone who you feel you have a "connection" with - someone who you can easily talk to, who is concerned about your desires, and who takes your dancing experience into consideration when he/she begins teaching you.

Be sure to check out Tom for your next event! Don't forget to tell him that Precious Occasions sent you.

What's a Professional Wedding Consultant?

2010-06-01T10:09:00.000-04:00

If you're on the fence or against hiring a wedding consultant for your upcoming big day, please reconsider. A professional wedding consultant serves as an advocate when others are attempting to take over your big day. We can assist you in developing and maintaining a realistic budget by saving you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. We serve as your creative director where we assist you in turning your vision into reality. If you don't have a vision, we can help you develop one that is unique and specific to you and your fiancé's personalities. We'll even refer professional and trustworthy vendors that can bring the whole vision together.

Professional wedding consultants want to make your whole planning process as fun, memorable, and stress-free as possible. And when your big day arrives, we'll be there to make sure that everything goes according to your plan and that you get to enjoy your special day. Do It Yourself (DIY) doesn't always translate to what you envisioned. Hire a professional wedding consultant to execute the details for your big day.

I asked some past clients to share some adjectives that best describes a wedding consultant and the following are the results. Hope you see the value of a wedding consultant! Remember to give Precious Occasions a call since we're the obvious choice for all of your planning needs!

Exciting opportunity in Tampa, FL!

2010-05-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

Don't miss out on Goodwill's 2010 Wedding Gown Gala on June 4th and 5th. This great opportunity to make a difference while purchasing a major essential piece of your wedding day. A total of 350 new wedding gowns will be available at the following Goodwill locations:

Friday, June 4th (Doors open at 6am)
Oldsmar Goodwill Superstore
3929 Tampa Road, Oldsmar

Saturday, June 5th (Doors open at 6am)
Wesley Chapel Goodwill Superstore
2390 Willow Oak Drive, Wesley Chapel
SR 56, just East of I-75

Gowns are priced starting from $90 and the sales benefit Goodwill's program for individuals with disabilities. Wedding gowns are donated from local bridal shops like CC's Boutique, Diana's Bridal, Olga's Bridal, and others.

Happy Shopping!

~Precious Occasions

Great Find!

2010-05-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

I found these super cute chair signs on Etsy and had to share them with you all. These signs are sure to add a touch of sophistication to your wedding day. They are created with a distressed design that gives it a shabby chic look. There are other chair sign options to choose from so have fun looking through them. Enjoy!

Good News at Precious Occasions!

2010-05-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

A bride recently asked me how she should go about choosing a DJ for her wedding. I immediately thought of a blog entry that I wrote several months ago with tips on finding entertainment.

It's amazing the number of questions we get on this subject and the horror stories we hear when the entertainment doesn't meet expections. Questions regarding entertainment, has led us to partner with DJ MJS to offer DJ services to our clients. We're pleased to announce the addition of DJ MJS to the Precious Occasions family. He is excited about this opportunity and looks forward to helping you create the atmosphere that you desire for your upcoming event. We hope that the addition of an in-house DJ will make things more convenient for those who haven't booked a DJ for their upcoming event.

Be sure to contact us at 813.489.4381 for additional information.

~Precious Occasions

Trend Alert - Save the Date Photos!

2010-05-11T09:46:00.001-04:00

Save-the-dates are sometimes a neglected element of the wedding planning process. However, it is a great way to announce your wedding day to your guests. Your save-the-dates allow you to give your guests a glimpse and teaser for what they can expect on the big day. A recent trend that I’ve noticed, are pictures of the bride and groom on the actual save-the-date invitations. The photos have ranged from pictures from the couples engagement photo session to photo strips with silly pictures of the couple (similar to what’s taken in a photo booth). These photos add personality and bring a uniqueness that no one else can duplicate.

Here are some neat save-the-dates from http://www.shutterfly.com/.

Delicious Creations...

2010-05-04T13:34:00.000-04:00

Oprah challenged 10 of the most famous bakers to create a desert to celebrate the 10th anniversary of launching O magazine. She included pictures of the too beautiful to eat results in the 10th anniversary issue. I recently found it on her website and wanted to share it with all of you. These sweet confections definitely inspired me for future events. Click here to view these masterpieces from these amazing artists. Enjoy!

~Precious Occasions

Never Say Never

2010-04-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

I always told myself that I would never get into planning children's parties. Well, you know how that old saying goes? Never say never! I recently found myself planning a one-year old birthday party for the cutest one-year old I know...McKenzie! Her mother more than twisted my arm to do this and I am so grateful for that. Not only did I have fun bringing her vision to life, I'm also proud of stretching myself in a new area of my business that I hope to grow. Thank you to all of the great vendors that helped to create this Princess and the Frog inspired party:

Florist: Apple Blossoms Floral Design

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake

Photographer: Grace Impressions Photography (813.994.4054)

Entertainment/Princess Tiana: Breezin' Entertainment

Event Planner: Of course...Precious Occasions!

Enjoy the following pictures from McKenzie's special day!

Precious Occasions Favorite - Neil Shannon Photography

2010-04-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

Please be sure to check out one of my favorite photographers - Neil Shannon Photography. The owners, Neil and Shannon, are one of the sweetest and genuine couples I've ever met. I had the pleasure of asking them a few questions about what they do and have included the answers and samples of their work for your viewing pleasure.

Website - http://www.neilshannonphotography.com/

How would you describe your style or work?
Very dynamic, fun filled photo-journalism and faux-journalism (faux-candids)!

What's the most favorite thing about your job?
I celebrate in the union of two souls and capture breathtaking memories for them.

What's one piece of advice that you have for people looking for a photographer?
Personality counts. You will spend 6-8 hours with your photographer, make sure you jive with him/her and feel comfortable with them. Make sure your photographer is flexible and not stuck in his or her ways.

Be sure to check out Neil Shannon Photography to capture the special moments of your next event! They really are awesome!

Getting the Groom Involved!

2010-04-13T14:46:00.011-04:00

Every bride would love to have an active fiance' by her side to help her plan out their special day. One that shows some level of interest in planning the intricate details of the wedding day. Somehow, more than often we get the opposite of this. I know from firsthand experience how that can be from the process of planning my 2008 wedding. My then fiance' could care less about which wedding venue we went with, what the invitations looked like, etc. He just wanted to show up!

I like to be in control, however, I really pushed for him to be more involved in making some of the decisions. He eventually came around...and I got more than I bargained for. There were decisions that I wanted to make which were not up for discussion that he suddenly had an opinion about. His increased involvement was great despite the few disagreements but the end result symbolized what the two of us would be able to accomplish in our marriage if we do it together. For the brides that are trying to get their fiance's involved, I have the following suggestions of areas that they can pitch in or take total control of.

Cake Tasting - What guy will say no to an opportunity to eat cake and choose his favorite flavor? This is a very simple way to get your fiance' involved in the planning process.

Guest List & Seating Arrangements - The both of you should create a list of people you would like to invite to the wedding early in the planning phase. This has implications for the venue you choose, your budget, number of invitations to order, etc. Bring him into the process of collecting addresses of your guests, following up with those who do not adhere to the RSVP deadline, and deciding where everyone (especially his guests) should sit.

Groomsmen Attire - This area of planning had to be my husband's favorite! I sent him out with the color choices and he took his job of making sure the groomsmen looked great seriously.

Music Selections - Men love music...I think most men secretly want to be DJs! Why not have them use that energy towards deciding a play list for the reception? Just make sure that your fiance' is fully aware of the atmosphere that the both of you would like for the reception. You don't want to have him spend hours on the play list to find out that none of them are appropriate for the wedding.

Happy Planning!

Trend Alert! -Family Style Table

2010-04-07T20:35:00.005-04:00

The latest trend in wedding planning is having family-style table settings. Instead of having the traditional round tables for wedding receptions, some people are opting for long banquet tables. This creates the comfortable feeling of gathering at a dinner table. It can definately be used if you're wanting to encourage conversation among your guests. Done right, it can be a intimate yet sophisticated event set-up! Family-style table settings can also help you with seating arrangements since you're not stuck with only having 8 or 10 to a table. If you choose to use this table set-up, be sure that your event location will accommodate the amount of tables that will be needed.

Do you see yourself using this set-up for your wedding?

~Precious Occasions

Here Comes the Easter Bunny!

2010-03-30T20:39:00.006-04:00

Easter is just a hope and a skip away! That means lots of candy, chocolate, and doing everything you can think of with an egg. Boiling, dying, coloring, and of course the all time favorite - Easter egg hunting. Here are some easy ways to plan your egg hunt.

Pastel is the name of the game - When it comes to Easter, you can go wrong with having your decorations in all pastel colors shades.

Set the stage for the hunt - Fill a few dozen plastic eggs with yummy chocolates and candy. Hide all of the eggs making sure that some are easy for the younger children to find and some difficult for the older children to find.

Have plenty activities - Children get bored very easily, so make sure that there is plenty to do and for various age group. Try decorating baskets before the egg hunt begins. You can even hire a face painter or an actual Easter bunny to get the party going.

Here are some highlights from the most popular Easter Egg Hunt of all.

Enjoy!

Decorating your chairs

2010-03-24T21:44:00.009-04:00

When thinking about decorations for your event, be sure to remember
to decorate your chairs. Nothing is worse than looking at bare banquet chairs in a decorated event space. This is something that can be easily overlooked. One easy fix is adding chair covers over your chairs with sashes to match your event color scheme. Choices for chair covers are plentiful - with various materials and styles. Do your research to figure out which choice fits the chairs that you have for your event location and coordinates well with your overall look.

Another way to decorate your chairs is using flowers. A rose or orchid tied in a sash to the back of a chair is a nice touch. A flower ball attached to the back or side of your chairs makes a stunning impression to guests.

Here are some other creative ways to decorate your chairs. Don't forget to check out our good friends over at Connie Duglin Linens when looking for linen. Tell them Precious Occasions sent you!

Welcome the Chicbeque!

2010-03-15T22:14:00.005-04:00

Spring isn't officially here but I can feel that it is very close. March 20th will mark the beginning of my favorite season! The weather will be warming up, flowers will begin to bloom, and I will be happily welcoming the butterflies and cheerful birds. With this season comes great opportunities to gather with loved ones and old friends especially around the barbecue. Recently, a good friend asked me how she could make the old cook out idea into a cute and chic affair (also known as chicbeque) and I had the following advice.

Can't go wrong with white! When I think of cute and chic, I automatically think of white. I would incorporate white into the color scheme and pair it with a vibrant color like yellow, turquoise, or chartreuse. Use these colors in all of your design and decor elements including tablecloths, plates, cups, etc.

Have a signature drink! Since it will be hot, doesn't a nice frozen drink sound good? Research some drinks that will keep your guests cool as well as complement your color scheme.

Expand your menu! Don't just have the regular hot dogs and hamburgers. Remember, we're planning a chicbeque (do you think it will catch on?). Bring on the steak, shrimp, and kabobs! Why not have a candy or dessert bar filled with a variety of sweet options for you guests.

Integrate real flowers in your decor! Nothing screams chic like real flowers. I LOVE flowers so much, I think I was either a florist in another lifetime or it might be my next career move! I try to use flowers whenever possible and this chic barbecue would not be an exception. Hydrangeas would be my personal choice to increase the chic level for this event.

Happy Planning

Emmanuela

Happy 1st Birthday to Precious Occasions!

2010-03-01T09:59:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that today marks the 1st anniversary of launching Precious Occasions. Oh what a difference a year makes! We're so happy for all of our clients that have allowed us to be a part of their most treasured moments and grateful for the awesome opportunities that lie ahead.

I am so thankful for my loving husband, supportive family and friends and great clients. Keep on spreading the news about us! Here's to another wonderful year!

~Emmanuela Stanislaus

Trend Alert! - Cupcakes

2010-02-22T21:34:00.010-05:00

Cupcakes are all the rage these days with people forgoing traditional cakes for these cute treats. These have become a trend because of the ease of having a variety of flavors and designs. Depending on the size and decoration of the cupcakes, the price can range from $1.50 to $4 each. Check out these pictures to see how the cupcakes can have a statement at your next event!

Wedding dress shopping made simple.

2010-02-15T19:11:00.002-05:00

Shopping for a wedding dress is what girls dream about doing all of their lives. When we finally get engaged, most of us already have an idea of what we would like to wear down the aisle. Before you start rounding up the troops including your mother and maid of honor in search of the perfect dress, consider the following.

Keep an open mind. Even though you might have a picture of the type of dress you'd like to wear, don't knock the other styles. Be open to trying on different dress styles. You might be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes the vision that you had of yourself doesn't always transfer to reality. Who knows you might love something that you thought you'd never like.

Think timeless! Your wedding pictures last forever so make sure that your dress is something that will look beautiful and classic 30 years from your wedding date. Think about weddings held in the 80s...I'm sure you're not thinking anything but yikes! You don't want to have the same thoughts run through your head when you think about your wedding. There are a ton of looks today that very trendy and lack uniqueness. If you're not sure if a dress is trendy or not, look through wedding magazines. Be sure to pay attention to the looks that are repeated? That's a sign that a dress may not be the classic look that you desire.

Remember the big picture. Think of your theme, mood, and setting of your wedding. Preferably, you would want to make sure that your dress doesn't compete but compliment the overall wedding theme. For example, if your planning a formal wedding, you wouldn't want to wear a flirty short wedding dress.

Happy Shopping! Remember not to stress out with the process. This is an exciting time in your life so have fun with it!

~Emmanuela

Looking for Entertainment???

2010-02-01T21:27:00.005-05:00

Entertainment, in the form of music, is the cornerstone of a great event. Entertainment can either make or ruin your event. You'll be the talk of the town either way. Don't you want it to be because everyone had a great time? When trying to decide what type of entertainment to have for your next event, be sure to ask yourself the following questions.

- What type of event will this be (reception, sit down dinner, etc.)? It's important to know that each type will require different entertainment to consider.

- What mood do you want to create? Is this a more casual or formal occasion?

- Is there a central theme for this event? If so, your entertainment will have to incorporate this to add to execution of your theme.

When you decide those things, then you're ready to go check out your options. When weighting your options, think about the personality of the band members or DJ. Will they evoke the level of energy that you want for your event? Will they get everyone on their feet and having a great time? Also, attempt to view some videos of their previous performances to get a true sense of their energy and style.

Happy Planning

Precious Occasions Favorite - Westin Tampa Bay

2010-01-25T20:29:00.010-05:00

I visited the Westin Tampa Bay a couple of months ago and must say that I love this venue! It is located at Rocky Point Island with its very own private beach. One of my favorite things about this venue is the garden terrace which is accessible through one of their meeting rooms. The garden terrace is furnished with chic, white lounge furniture and has the most AMAZING views of the bay! Their guest rooms are very spacious and comfortable and have some of these very same great views.

Be sure to check out the Westin Tampa Bay for your next event! Ask for Swathi Kanji at 813.281.0000...she's awesome! Tell her Precious Occasions sent you.

Trend Alert! - Custom Dance Floors

2010-01-19T21:24:00.008-05:00

The traditional wood dance floors are so last decade! Custom dance floors are a new way to put a personalized stamp on your wedding day or special occasion decor.

There are now options for all white, all black, or checkered-board dance floors. You can even have lighted as well as iridescent dance floors. Having a seamless dance floor allows you to not show any trim which creates a nice and clean look. It gives the illusion of a floating dance floor.

There is also an option to add a vinyl floor decal of a monogram or logo that compliments your event color scheme. This is sure to be something that your guests will remember long after the event has passed.

Save Some Green!!

2010-01-14T20:56:00.011-05:00

The latest trend which can save you some dough is incorporating fruit into your table decorations or centerpieces. They're not meant to be eaten, but meant to enhance your decor. For all you non-Event Planners out there, this is a great way to add a splash of color that is also very natural.

If you have a bright color-schemed wedding, you can pile lemons in a large cylinder vase. You can create a great look by filling the vase with water and having sliced up lemons that are placed against the inside walls of the vase. Talk about creating an inexpensive centerpiece!

I recently saw a great centerpiece that was simply an alternated pile of green and red apples in a tall glass vase. It was so simple but made a big statement. Adding some candles around these centerpieces adds another fantastic element. You can also include flowers with your fruit centerpieces.

Happy Planning!

~Precious Occasions

The Year of Color!

2010-01-05T18:24:00.005-05:00

With the new year in full gear, I am inspired by so many colors to use in this year's events. First off, I think that 2010 is a year of optimism. The past two years have been filled with bad news concerning the economy so people are encouraged by the beginning of a new year and decade.

The theme for the year will be "fresh starts"! With that being said, 2010 will bring about the use of bright colors such as yellows, oranges, and pink. These colors greatly signify energy and positivity. I also believe that we will see a lot of metallic colors such a silver and gold.

Be sure to have fun with whatever colors you use with your upcoming 2010 event!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T16:55:00.004-05:00

2009 was great but 2010 will be even greater! Thank you so much for all of your support of Precious Occasions during this first year. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that I've been given in order for this dream to become a reality. I look forward to gaining new clients, creating exciting events, and sharing great news with all of you in 2010. We are thinking big and plan to bring innovative ideas to the event planning industry. There is no stopping Precious Occasions!

We hope that you have a safe and happy new year. Thanks again for following Precious Occasions. Be sure to spread the word about us to your friends!

~Emmanuela

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T08:27:00.009-05:00

There's only three days left until Christmas! I hope that you're getting those final gifts ready and either planning for safe travels or getting your home prepared to host your guests. May your holiday season be filled with creating new memories with your loved ones. On that note, I'm taking a short break to be with my family so I hope that you don't miss me too much.

I wanted to share a winter themed wedding inspiration board that I recently created. The color scheme is white and various hues of blue. I think it came out quite nicely and provides the romantic feel that I was going for. Hope you enjoy it! Happy holidays!

~Precious Occasions

What does CNN Money know?

2009-12-16T19:24:00.002-05:00

I recently read an article from CNN Money that listed the top fifteen most overworked and underpaid professions. Want to guess where my job landed on that list? Number 2! I couldn't believe it. Sure, my job can be a little stressful but I don't think it's enough to be listed as the second most stressful profession.

I have the unique opportunity of bringing joy to my clients as well as creating special memories for them and their guests. The media does a great job at glamorizing the Event Planning field. I'm sure you've seen the dozens of TV shows out there where an elaborate event or wedding is planned in a blink of an eye with no mishaps. The reality is, it takes countless hours, sleepless nights, amazing problem solving skills, and a whole lot of negotiating with clients as well as vendors to make an event happen. And even with all of those things, you still can't predict what will and can go wrong. With all that said, I really do love being an Event Planner and won't let any list keep me from doing it!

I hope you all have a great day!

Emmanuela