Since Sea Urchins are the theme of the wedding, I made this letter J out of 4 different types of Urchins. I think it will look great hanging at the reception, and afterwards, she can hang it on her front door at home for permanent enjoyment.

This hanging initial can be done with any type of sea shell, dried or fresh flowers. You can do both initials for the bride and groom, or even your monogram. A little creatitvity and a bit of time is all it takes!

I can’t wait for her to see it!!

Hanging Wedding Initial

Reception on the patio

Dockside Seating provided the ultimate place to eat dinner

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a nice meal sitting on the dock?

Table centerpieces

Suzann’s love of orange came through in a variety of flowers placed on each table. Orchids, Calla Lillies, and Spray Roses provided by Flowers & Found Objects.

Table centerpiece

Other table centerpiece featured more of her favorite flowers,

Dahlia’s and Gloriosa Orchids.

Tapas Moving Display

The Tapas for dinner did not go unnoticed and they certainlykept guests happy and fulfilled.

John’s exceptional staff from 2 Taste Catering passed through the crowd offering anything from salad to Shrimp Pad Thai to Sweet Soy Glazed Beef Tenderloin and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes.

My New Friends, Suzann & Seth

Above all, I am blessed to have been part of another wedding for this family. I really enjoyed spending time with them to help them acheive their wedding day vision.

Many thanks to everyone who helped…my business partner Tara Horner, John Rosetti from 2 Taste Catering, and thanks to Steve Lawson for providing these photos.

www.michellelawson.com

www.2tastecatering.com

Recently I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Brooke Bassett, Catering Sales Manager for the Ritz Carlton South Beach Hotel. This hotel is as chic and savvy as they come, while offering all the finest amenities that you’ll find at any Ritz Carlton across the globe. 

What makes this hotel unique? A few things among many include:

1. Location, location, location! Located in the historic Art Deco District in the heart of South Beach!

2. Gorgeous outdoor space for ceremonies! Up on the pool deck overlooking the ocean or down by the beach under swaying palm trees, or on famous South Beach itself.

3. Unique spaces for your reception – The Grand Ballroom features their signature cobalt blue chandeliers, Evolution a rich, luxurious space for small and intimate weddings, and the Bistro – a hip and cool space featuring wood floors, cozy and comfy banquette seating and a pool view.

4. Food and service – what can I say, it’s the Ritz Carlton! Lunch was terrific, (thank you Brooke!) but I had the chance to peek in the ballroom and look at the food on display for an event that day. It was anything but ordinary – tall buffets, clean lines, very contemporary and well, just plain cool.

Whether you are planning a destination wedding, an elopement or just want the best of the best for your wedding, consider this hotel. I am looking forward to working with Brooke and her team!

Villa Woodbine balcony

garden ceremony

A chalkboard vs. paper programs

The bride wanted to save paper, so we used a chalkboard to recognize the wedding party and ceremony itinerary.

 

take aways for the guests

Natural lip balm, soap rolls and spreaders hand-made in Mexico were offered to guests upon departing.

Video by Broadway Video

Venue: Villa Woodbine, Coconut Grove

Catering: Bill Hansen Catering

Event planning and design by Perfect Wedding Planning

Wailea Beach

As a Miami wedding planner, I spent a LOT of time on the phone with the folks in Hawaii, coordinating photography, flowers and decor, furniture and rentals, etc. Special thanks to Daisy Melendez at the Grand Wailea Resort for all her help with the food and beverage.

 The flowers were just what Kim wanted – tropical, elegant and colorful. Asa from Asa Flowers did a terrific job. Thanks to Michael Andrews of www.photosbymichael.com for providing these beautiful images.

I coordinated the menus and placecards using a local source from Miami, www.lilliandesigns.com. They were most helpful working with me to keep with the tropical elegant theme that Kim was going for.

On a final note…I have an awesome new brother-in-law, two adorable new neices and one super experience at helping them plan their dream day. How bad can the job be when you get to go to Maui with family to celebrate?

1. Provide a non-alcoholic refreshing beverage prior to the ceremony such as water with sliced lemons or cucumbers.
2. Wedding fans on each chair can serve as programs and keep guests cool. Paper parasols offer guests shade while providing a splash of color. Put them in baskets for guests to grab prior to being seated.
3. Put together an amenity basket for the restrooms to include blotting linens, facial misters, SPF sun wipes and insect repellent wipes.

Give your self the best of both worlds by wearing that sexy heel during your ceremony, photos and first dance, then kick them off and slip on something that suits your personality while giving you comfort.  Many brides today are wearing flip flops (with a bit of bling) during the reception – typically your dress is long enough to conceal them, so who cares? Your feet sure will!