Life is a special occasion

Real Weddings : Kalpana + Paul Miami Indian Wedding


They just keep coming in! The pictures, of course, from our fall wedding season. I first introduced Kalpana + Paul in March when I posted the images of their beautiful e-shoot, shot by Miguel Irias. Today, I am happy to post this sneak peak from their double header wedding celebration at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. These breathtaking images were shot by Trevor Goldsmith.

So you read correctly, Kalpana + Paul had not one but two weddings to celebrate their love. We had their Indian wedding celebration in the morning followed by a sunset Jewish ceremony and reception. What an amazing day; a wedding whirlwind, if you will! Enjoy the images and check back for the full post!


Real Weddings : Alex + Antonio Miami Wedding


Lately, everyday has been just like Christmas for me because pictures from all of Lauren Daversa Events fall weddings have been pouring in, which is incredibly exciting! We work with incredible photographers and their packages are always little boxes filled with some serious goodness. Today I am happy to post a sneak peak from Alex + Antonio's October 9th celebration at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables shot by Ashley Colhouer of 1313.

I first introduced this glamorous couple in February when I shared their adorable chariacture style Save the Dates. Love these!



Here is a sneak peak of their glamorous affair including the bride's Monique Lhuillier wedding gown. If you can't wait for the full post, be sure to visit Ashley Colhouer, or check back here for all the beautiful details!

Alex + Antonio, thank you for trusting your most special day with Lauren Daversa Events and Happy Holidays to the new Mr. + Mrs. Llanos!

Real Events : Nicole Richie's Marchesa Dress


One day I was shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding. I needed to look elegant and chic, as it was a Miami wedding. On the wall at Neiman was the most gorgeous LBD and it was on this day when I bought my first Marchesa dress. Ever since, I've been a huge, HUGE lover of their dresses and it really comes as no surprise to see Nicole Richie rocking this ah-ma-zing piece for her big day. "The gown featured some intricate lace detailing above and a gorgeous skirt made from over 100 yards of hand-draped silk organza and tulle petals." Love it!!! And it was one of three dresses that she wore during her wedding. Love that event more!

Real Weddings : Jon + Libby : Destination Wedding In Palm Beach



Libby + Jon. Where to even start? From the beginning, we clicked! It's hard not to click with them as they might be the most easy going, sweetest couple in south Florida! Seriously.

They gave me eight months to put together a fun, elegant wedding for them and they received so much more than they ever could imagine! Not to toot my own horn, but the program that was put together for them was nothing short of amazing.

Q.
Want to know what made this wedding work?

A.
1 wedding planner + 2 assistants, 3 cinematographers, 2 photographers, 1 string quartet, 7 musicians + 1 DJ + 1 Emcee, 36 high intensity LED uplytes, 2 H2O lights, round ottomans, leather couches, cube ottomans, square ottomans, acrylic cubes, chivari chairs, 26 centerpieces, valet, the entire staff from Trump, amazing family and friends and the sweetest, happiest, couple of 2010!


That's right, this is just some of the magic that it took to ensure that 250 guests had an unforgettable night! And I can say from experience, this wedding was - hands down - one of the top weddings of my year! Please enjoy just a few of the images captured by Kat Braman. In fact, she did such an incredible job documenting this wedding, I've had to break this up into a two part post. If you can't wait, please visit the supremely talented Kat Braman Photography for all the amazing details!
























The stellar team assembled for Libby + Jon's Platinum Trump Wedding:
Event Planning & Styling: Lauren Daversa Events
Cinematography: Cabana Pictures
Venue, Cake + Flowers: Trump International Golf Club
Lighting: Uplyte
Lounge Furniture: Hitched
Paper + Stationary: Lauren Daversa Events
Hair & Make-Up: Team Beauti
Officiant: Pastor Harold Hendren
Bridesmaids: David's Bridal
Bridal Gown: Badgley Miscka

What LDE Friends Are Up To : Mi Amore Foto




During my nightly Facebook check, I was ecstatic to see that Mi Amore Foto was featured on Style Me Pretty for stunningly capturing this wedding at Grove Isle Resort + Spa.

Grove Isle holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the first "Florida" venues I visited after I moved from the city. Located on a private island, it's a very intimate resort that truly possesses the ability to whisk you away to a secluded retreat that features old south Florida style! I vividly remember being totally blown away by this property and felt incredibly happy to have relocated to such a beautiful place. On top of this, there is an awesome view of the Miami skyline AND the property has a life-sized chess board with 3-foot chess pieces. Brides, remember this for a fun e-shoot location!

In any event, Shannon, the pictures are breathtaking. Congratulations on joining the SMP family! You truly have a gift for capturing all the fine details that make a wedding unique and giving people the ability to feel what it was like to be a part of this most special day. Can't wait to work together on James Wieland + Jennifer Jennifer Dalla Riva's big day!!!

Wedding Gowns Under $250


Daryl, one of my favorite brides!, and I swooned over Fancy Dress. Their dresses are amazing creations for a bride looking to step a little outside the box. As it has been a few months since a Wedding Gowns Under $250 post and Fancy Dress deserves a post all to itself, I am happy to share with everyone a link to their new blog which showcases their sample sale items. That's right - I have literally given away a seriously good secret because every dress is perfection! And I am talking BDP: Betty Draper perfection!

The dress that jumped out at me is the Gracie, a poly satin with one layer of flocked dotted tulle, vintage grosse graine ribbon at the waist for $150. Okay so you have to be a size 6 (or smaller) to wear it...so, you go to the gym and put the Häagen-Dazs away for awhile. At this price and considering the level of fabulous-ness (total BDP) ... it is beyond worth it, AND most certainly proves that beautiful can be affordable.


As I clicked away, coming across dress after dress after dress, I kept falling more and more in love with each one. Until I saw Jenny, and I fell so hard that I hit my head. The Grecian inspired shoulders, the lovely pewter green fabric, the overlay...everything. It's almost too much BDP. I know, you have to be a size 6, but HELLO...all this style and for $150? It's too good to be true. I can definitely put down the spoon for a little while to fit in!

See, beautiful can be affordable. Thank you Fancy Dress! You have an admirer for life!

Real Events : Libby + Jon - The Trailer

Libby + Jon: Trump International Golf Club


Thanks to a lot of extra, extra, extra effort from Cabana Pictures, the trailer for one of my favorite weddings of the year (SIDE NOTE: if you didn't already know...it's Libby + Jon) went live on Thanksgiving. Can you honestly not think of a better holiday to receive such a gift!

I could fill up an entire blog with praise and compliments about Cabana Pictures. I absolutely adore them, and their work, and their style, and their work ethic and just the whole package. CP is one of only a few cinematographers who mix 16MM footage with HD video and the result is truly unique and stunning. They captured the day beautifully. and the trailer makes me cry each time I watch it. Hope you enjoy watching it just as much as we did making it happen!

Event Planning & Styling: Lauren Daversa Events
Cinematography: Cabana Pictures
Venue + Cake + Florals: Trump International Golf Club
Lighting: Uplyte
Lounge Furniture: Hitched
Paper + Stationary: Lauren Daversa Events
Hair & Make-Up: Team Beauti
Bridal Gown: Badgley Miscka

Current Music : Jamiroquai



Obsessed is an understatement when describing my love for Jamiroquai's song Little L. I have been listening to it while I work, while I exercise, while I'm cleaning, while I'm cooking, while I'm hanging with my daughter...well, I think I've made my point.

This song is perfect for getting the crowd going at ANY event! Don't wait on this one, Little L is very download worthy.

Significant Songs : Dean Martin


If you cannot tell by my blog, music plays a huge role in my life and my work. In my house, music is on at all times: from the moment I wake up, throughout the entire day, until I fall asleep at night. I can honestly say that I really love all types of music, and I event keep a running log of songs that I believe would be a unique option for significant songs in a wedding or special event. And just tonight I decided to start sharing them with all of you!

I'll Buy That Dream is an all time favorite song of mine, beautifully sung by Dean Martin. Without fail, every single time I hear it, I imagine it being used for a 1st dance. In my head, I envision a videographer filming in black + white, possibly using a Super 8 or 16 MM - HD of course.

This wedding definitely takes place in a grand ballroom, with a bride wearing a princess wedding dress and her new husband sporting a tux. To kick up the drama during this 1st dance, I'd shine a bright spotlight on them as they twirl around on the dance floor for the first time as husband + wife as Dean sings "Imagine you in a gown white and flowery / and me thanking dad for my dowry / a church full of folks / in those last minute jokes / I'll buy that dream...Imagine me on our first anniversary / with some one like you in the nursery / it doesn't sound bad / and if it can be had / I'll buy that dream." LOVE IT!

Don't be fooled, I am no fair weather friend to the crooners. I'm a huge fan of the Rat Pack and celebrate their entire catalog. As a young twenty-something in NYC, I was always listening to Sid Mark + Sunday's With Frank.


Side NotePhoto of Dean Martin his bride Jeanne Biegger on their wedding day courtesy of Art Weissman via IMDB. The wedding was held at Herman Hover's House on September 1, 1949.

Real Weddings : Jon + Libby : Trump


7 months ago, I introduced everyone to Libby + Jon who needed help planning their November 6th, 2010 wedding. With only a few months to go, time was not on their side but with Lauren Daversa Events involved, they had no reason to be worried. I got to work and put together an amazing wedding at Trump International Golf Club - the private golf club for Mar-a-Lago.

To tell you the truth, describing this wedding as amazing is an understatement because if I had Lauren Daversa Events awards, Libby + Jon's wedding would win for best wedding of 2010. And I am extra ecstatic to share a sneak peak of this most special affair, courtesy of my good friend Kat Braman. Be sure to check back for all the details and Libby + Jon, I hope you are enjoying St. Lucia!

I Heart NY

I New York, I really do. And I was absolutely thrilled when one of my recent brides sent me this article from The Village Voice, which lists 50 Reasons to Be Pretty Damn Euphoric You Live in New York City. Thank you, Melissa! Yes, I can still identify, it's spot on + and you are really so, so cool!

Are you a New York City bride planning a wedding? Well, Lauren Daversa Events is ready to design a custom event just for you! Contact lauren@laurendaversa.com.

Real Weddings : Kate + Paul : Palm Beach


About 1 week ago, I shared a little glimpse into the world of Kate + Paul. First of all, I want to let it be known that I love their little world. It's a world where everything has meaning, where everything is well thought out and attention to detail is an understatement. Just to give you a little insight as to what I'm describing ... during their recent engagement session with Jessica Lorren Organic Photography, Jess discovered the champagne saucers they sipped champagne from belonged to Kate's grandmother; the food they munched during their picnic was homemade; and the fabric which the blanket they dined on came straight from Kate's family's fabric shop. This thoughtfulness, detail and history was of course abundant at their wedding. I am eagerly awaiting Jess' photographs from this most special wedding celebration but for now, please enjoy a single sneak peak from Kate + Paul's breathtaking wedding.

LDE In The Press


Wedding announcement in the New York Times for our 10.23.10 bridge + groom, Melissa + Anton! Congrats to you, the wedding was beautiful!

Love,
L

Ask Lauren


Since I opened my company, my inbox gets frequent visits from people from all over the place asking me all sorts of different questions. Whether it's one of my own brides or grooms, a potential bride or groom, a mother of a bride or groom, or just a random person - they've all got questions or need some sort of guidance. And the flattering part is they want me to help! Fortunately, it's in my nature to want to help, which is a pretty good thing - after all, I am a wedding planner and it's my job to fix problems and guide my clients along on their planning journey. And from this, fresh off the press, I proudly present to all of you: ASK LAUREN.

Q.
"Is it okay to put 12 people at a 60" table?"

A.
For me, it's an easy answer: NO. Under no circumstance should you cram too many guests at a table incapable of accommodating them. Even if you Google it and you find a seating chart that says 60" can seat up to 12 people, it's still not okay. Even if you are strapped for space, it's still not okay. Even if you have last minute guests who decided to come, it's still not okay. Even if the on-site coordinator is trying to tell you it's okay and your guests will be comfortable, it's still not okay. Plan for the comfort of your guests who traveled to witness the start of your new life and seat the appropriate amount of people at the appropriate size table. You might be able to convince me 9 guests can fit at a 5 foot table, but absolutely not 10, 11 or 12 because a 60" will comfortable accommodate 8 adult guests.

This is a common question and touches upon a large aspect of planning any event, which is logistics. Unless you have experience in this area and understanding how to layout an event space, it is unlikely a non-event person can answer them correctly. Working with a wedding planner will ensure that any of the scenarios listed above, or a myriad of other scenarios, do not play out during your planning process. They are costly headaches you will not want to deal with during the last few weeks leading up to you special day.


Have a question? Need some good advice? Don't know who to turn to? You're in luck! Email asklauren@laurendaversa.com and let us help.

Photo of Lauren Daversa answering all sorts of wedding and special event related questions is courtesy of one of my favs Jessica Lorren Organic Photography.

What LDE Friends Are Up To : Jessica Lorren


I love checking my Facebook page. I get to see what all my friends are up to, and what other people are going to try and copy and pass off as their own!

So this morning while I was scrolling through all the posts on my news feed, it came as no surprise when this awesomeness from Jessica Lorren popped up. Meet Kate + Paul. Don't they look like such a dreamy couple! And when you put dreamyness in front of Jessica Lorren - well - then you and I get to look at pictures like the one above...and sigh!

In a less than two weeks, Kate + Paul will be married and Jessica will there documenting what's most definitely going to be an amazing day. And then Jessica will give us all even more heavenly pictures to oogle over - again, and again, and again! Thanks, Jessica. Wedding world is a better with you in it! And Lauren Daversa Events is looking forward to working together on a beautiful wedding celebration for Kate + Paul.

L + O + V + E





L + O + V + E

L + O + V + E

L + O + V + E ... Mr. Preston Bailey

What LDE Friends Are Up To : Cabana Pictures

Lauren and Chris


Just this evening as I was checking in with Facebook, and a trailer popped up on my news feed that caught my eye. When I realized it was from my friends over at Cabana Pictures I knew I had to watch it, and of course it's amazing. They truly have a unique way of capturing moments.

In a few weeks, I will be working with an extremely talented team that I've assembled to produce a dream wedding celebration for my clients Libby + Jon, which includes Cabana Pictures. I've been planning this wedding for over 6 months and the big day is getting closer and closer. After watching their trailer, I am somehow even more excited for Libby + Jon's wedding. And might it even be possible that I am more excited than the bride + groom? Yes, I think it is safe to say yet - but that's because they have absolutely no idea what we have in store for them...stay tuned and in the mean time, check in with Cabana Pictures for your wedding!

TOTW : Beyond Personal Flowers


Don't forget your floral budget needs to account for all of your event, not just the boutonnieres, rose petals and centerpieces. Flowers are utilized so many other areas of an event that are often put on the back burner. For instance, does your venue have light sconces on the wall that don't fit your scheme? How about unsightly vents, occupancy signs or outlet boxes you'd prefer to have covered? Think a further outside the box...could the bathrooms use a little flower power? Are the doorways in need of a garland? Is the driveway leading up to the venue dark and uninviting? Would uplights or pillar candles covered by hurricanes do the trick? And how about cocktail hour? Are the servers passing goat cheese tarts on silver trays? Wouldn't placing the delicate bites on top of banana leaves be a nice touch? And dinner - how will the food be presented on the buffet?

Many couples plan an elaborate event yet they don't budget funds to cover this portion of the decor. Unfortunately, they realize the need in the eleventh hour and have to increase the funds to maintain the look throughout the room/event or be left with incomplete look to their event.

Quality linen, flowers, leaves, branches, wheat grass, moss, rocks, acrylic pedestals, custom tables, fruit, silver or gold serving sets, personal pictures, books, mirrors, frames - I could go on for a long time - can be incorporated into the design of your event to add depth, fill in the space and accent the surroundings. But before adding on, check with the caterer to see what type of decor they will include in their pricing.

Don't be discouraged if you are working with a tight budget. Compromising on your budget does not mean you have to compromise on your style and decor! There are a lot of creative avenues to take to add nice touches, which can also cover the venue's sore spots. Working with a wedding planner is a fool proof way to maximize your budget while ensuring that you dot your i's and cross your t's - and don't get left with a bare buffet!


Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Current Music : Melody Gardot


As I sit in my office, preparing for not one but two weddings this weekend, I am being softly serenaded by the sultry, jazzy, soulful blues of Miss. Melody Gardot. The song Worrisome Heart is so up my alley on the eve of my amazing weddings! Perfect for a stylish event, dinner party or working late on Thursday evening.

L | D Finds: Disney Princess Gowns


What to dress like a real life Disney princess on your wedding day? Well it's absolutely possible, with a little help from Alfred Angelo! Disney recently announced the two have paired up and will debut their first Disney Princess inspired bridal gown collection, titled Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, at the National Bridal Market in Chicago on October 2, 2010. The collection was inspired by the essence, style and personality of seven iconic Disney Princess characters: Ariel, Aurora {Sleeping Beauty}, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White and Tiana. And now, for all of you Disney princess lovin' brides, dreams do come true!

Kristina + Rob


Not too long ago, I received an inquiry from a bride in NYC - yay NYC! - looking for help to plan her spring of 2011 destination wedding here in Florida. Even thought we only spoke via phone and email, we clicked right away.


As I started putting together options for their big day, the bride shared with me that her big sister is a photographer and she would be doing their engagement shoot. Furthermore, the concept behind the e-shoot was going to be cake baking. LOVE IT! Here are a few of the shots from their shoot courtesy of the bride's big sis, and very talented photog, Emily Renee.

You had to know it would end this way!


Do they have chemistry or what! Can't wait for their beautiful wedding this spring at the Colony!!!

Adorable-ness


If you are interested in having Emily Renee Photography capture your wedding, be sure to email her: emilyrearick@gmail.com.

TOTW : Diacritical Marks



This week's TOTW is a fun tip to help relieve a small amount of stress from our brides + grooms who don't know how to format diacritic marks in excel. Okay but what's a diacritic mark? The answer is diacritical marks are ancillary glyphs found in many international names and addresses. For instance in the Scandinavian languages, characters with diacritics include ä, ö and å.

Great, and why do you need to be able to format them in Excel? Well, since I am sure you are all organizing your guest list in excel - is it is the preferred format for most every printer - you may find that you have a guest with an international name or address. Ahh, now you see why you need to know how to incorporate diacritic marks into Excel!

Don't worry, the answer is SO simple because you can type any character from the ASCII character set. Hold down the ALT key while typing in 0 + the number of the character you want. For instance, you can enter a German umlauted u (ü) into a cell by typing ALT 0252 followed by ENTER. See, I told you it was simple.

Where would you find this magical list? Well, there are tons of character sets available on the Internet. They will list all the ASCII characters and their corresponding numbers so you can painstakingly format all your fabulous international names and addresses for your DIY invitations. Enjoy and happy planning!

Photo courtesy of Michael Ciancio via I Love Typography

Win 2 Nights At Boca Raton Resort



Lauren Daversa Events has birdies all over the place and one of them told me how you can win a 2 night stay at the uber-fabulous Boca Raton Resort!! Here's the deal, my lovely, devoted readers...get yourself down to the Napleton West Palm Beach Hyundai to register BY SATURDAY, the drawing is on Sunday. Fill out a form, snap a picture of your beautiful-self with your dashing fiancé and voilà! You just put yourself in the running to win a 2-night stay at the Boca Raton Resort - sweet!! But wait there's more! In addition, you will arrive in style in a 2010 Hyundai Genesis – woo-hoo - and have your picture in the Palm Beach Post. Yay Palm Beach Post. So good luck - may the best bride win!

PS - If you win, promise to send us the winning picture!!! Just in case...lauren@laurendaversa.com

Event Inspiration: Rotundas


London bound? Or, just in need of some inspiration? Well, Ian Johnson, Tiger Lily Weddings and One Great George Street to the rescue!

One Great George Street is an award-winning central London conference and wedding venue, offering first class facilities and standards of service. The magnificent four-domed Edwardian building is perfect for conferences, meetings, gala dinners, drinks receptions and wedding ceremonies and receptions, which can be seen in Ian Johnson's images. He captures Tiger Lily Weddings clever use of the rotunda as a means to hang place cards. LOVE IT and WANT TO USE IT!

Celebrating Vendors



This video is hilarious! A little long but it gets good. WARNING: not all vendors are created equal - and you will see why if you watch the parody above!

The sad thing is, clients hire vendors who are so green or just scam artists because they simply just don't know. The one thing that bothers me to no end is when I find out my DOC couple's are working with craptastic vendors because I know they will not be happy with the product they are going to get.

Some vendors are more expensive than others; some have more experience than others; some are more creative; some are better communicators; some are better at sticking to the budget; some are better dreamers; some are better at follow through. When talking with vendors keep these the two things to keep in mind:

1.) In most all cases, you get what you pay for.
2.) Just because you refer to yourself as something, does not mean you are. Hello, just ask someone how tall they are or what they weigh and then weigh/measure them!

True story, I have spoken with a bride, on more than one occasion, who wants to have a 150 person wedding, on a Saturday night, in March, at an oceanside mansion, with a 5-course meal, a photographer, videographer, 7 piece band, photobooth, an antique Rolls Royce, a Vera Wang wedding dress and full coordination from a wedding coordinator on a $10K budget. First of all, Lauren Daversa Events is not the company for you! And second, the scenario listed above is impossible! Seriously, it's impossible. And I cannot think of one experienced planner who could make this happen - unless they are competing on a TV show and pulling favors from ALL of their industry colleagues.

So brides, if the wedding you want is listed above, and you speak with a planner who says they can make this happen...walk away. No, run away. Or else you will end up with a planner like one featured in the video above and a lot of heartache and disappointment on your special day! The investment in hiring an experienced planner is worth it. A coordinator is your guide through the planning process, the person who will save you money and ensure you work with experienced professionals! Yeah, we're worth it!

Real Events : Lin-Manuel Miranda + Vanessa Nadal



Excuse my potty mouth, but what a bad-ass surprise! Broadway’s Lin-Manuel Miranda orchestrated the ultimate production for his new bride, Vanessa Nadal with an over-the-top dance number set to Fiddler on the Roof's "L'Chaim". It features the father-of-the-bride, father-of-the-groom, groomswoman, best man, and the couple's friends and family. This is perfectly executed performance was shot the by the amazing Films by Francesco - who by the way was the official cinematographers for Chelsea and Marc's wedding. Simply Ah-Ma-Zing.


TOTW : Ceremony Music Demystified


Holy batman! Lauren Daversa Events is BUSY! We've got weddings going on all over the place and we couldn't be more excited. I've been asked a lot lately to explain the different parts of the ceremony music. If my brides are asking, chances are some of my readers would like to know too! So without further ado, the latest installment of our famous Tip Of The Week.

There are four parts that make up the ceremony music: prelude, processional, recessional and postlude. Below is a succinct description of each area to help solve the mystery behind ceremony music.

Prelude
The prelude music is the background music played prior to the start of the ceremony for anywhere between fifteen to thirty minutes as your guests are being seated. Don't let the idea of this being background music trick you, as the prelude helps to set the mood for your wedding. Ask yourself, "Is my wedding religious, romantic, chic and modern, elegant, unique, ethnic, joyous?" Or, is your wedding a combination? Once you've picked your selections, remember to have the music played quiet enough for your guests to be able to carry on a conversation once they've found their seats.

Processional
The procession is the music played while key members of your ceremony walk, or process, down the aisle. The key members are grandparents of the groom, parents of the groom, grandparents of the parents of the bride, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers who unroll the aisle runner, and most importantly, the bride. You may select different pieces to accompany the different members of the party (parents / attendants / bride) however, limit your selection to three or less. Decide whether you want to have a grand or understated entrance as this dictates whether you should select pieces to build up the intensity to create the huge anticipation of the arrival of, well you - the bride. Or, whether you should select pieces that are more subdued to create a more quiet, peaceful entrance.

Whichever way you go, make sure to have a designated friend/family member to cue the musicians, or even better, hire a planner like Lauren Daversa Events. Or else you really run the risk of the processional turning into a whole mess with bridal party members wondering when to go, musicians wondering when to play, musicians wondering when to stop playing, doors opening with people peering out to see what is going on, guests looking around knowing crazy behind the scenes shenanigans are happening, groomsmen continuing to be confused. Just madness, and certainly not what you want for your once in a lifetime wedding ceremony.

Recessional
The recessional is celebratory music played as you and your new husband and your entire wedding party exit the building! Musicians should be ready for the cue - unique to every ceremony - that signals them to begin the recessional. It could be the kiss or the officiant's introduction of, "Mr. and Mrs. We Just Got Married." Again, make sure to have this worked out in advance. Vendors are not mind readers and it this has not been discussed then it is a perfect opportunity for a little ceremony music drama to be infused into your service.

Postlude
The postlude is the background music played as the guests are being dismissed, similar to the prelude.

The Secret Fifth Part of Ceremony Music
The secret fifth part of ceremony music refers to any optional points during the ceremony where you may want to have music or singer(s) perform. For instance, the lighting of the unity candle, interlude between readings, responses, alleluias, mass parts, during the sign of peace, immediately following the vow exchange, during and after communion, a moment of reflection, a rose presentation, sand ceremony, memorial candle ... just to list a few. As you work with the officiant on your service, you will learn the specific moments where music would be an appropriate addition.

Photo courtesy of Reception -Wedding

Current Music : Cee-Lo

Everyone was on board when Gnarls Barkley released Crazy. It's a great song, sung by Cee-Lo. His soulfully, unique voice is hauntingly powerful. So it comes as no surprise that I made an instant connection with his new singer Forget You - SIDE NOTE Forget You is not the original title but if you use your imagination I am sure you'll put two and two together like Chuck Woolery and figure it out ;-)

Photo courtesy of Zeon Music

Win A Free Love Story Video



My good friends at Artistic Film Productions are giving one lucky couple the chance to win a free love story and it's super easy to win! Here are the details:

1) Send an email to Artistic Film Productions with your name and information along with a picture of you and your honey.
2) Tell all of your friends and family to “Like” their fan page and cast their vote for you on your picture.
3) The couple with the most votes WINS!

There are a few Rules & Restrictions :
  • Grand prize is based on availability.
  • Only Artistic Film Productions Facebook fans are eligible for the grand prize. To become one of our Facebook fans you can visit our website and click the link on our main page.
  • Only the votes from Artistic Film Productions fans will be counted.
  • One vote per fan only.
  • Any entry outside of Dade or Broward may be subject to a travel fee.
  • All entries must include name, email address, phone number, wedding date and photo of the happy couple
  • Deadline for entries & voting is September 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm
  • Entries must be emailed to Artistic Film Productions


PS
*This contest is for a Love Story video only and NOT wedding day coverage.
*Makeup by Marz is offering free make-up for the day of the video shoot free of charge to the winner.


Will a Lauren Daversa Events follower win? You've got to be in it to win it, so hop to it little planners and good luck!!!

L | D Finds : The Eternal Borgezie Diamond Stiletto


Remember this dress? Well, I am feeling nothing but love for luxury jeweler House of Borgezie's $155,000 creation: stilettos made almost entirely of gold and over 2,000 diamonds. Yeah, these are some shoes! But no worries, these bespoke babies comes complete with a 1,000 year guarantee!

LDE Giveaway : Flip Books


This is out first giveaway, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with South Beach Photo Booth Company who has very generously offered to give one of my devoted followers 25 Flip Books! Do you know what's a Flip Book is? You should, because it's just the coolest thing in the whole-wide world. Seriously, check out the video below...



Basically, you take a video clip. Then, South Beach Photo Booth Company will magically transform it into your own, unique Flip Book - complete with customized covers for your event! Yup, that easy. What is uber cool about it is that you can use your personal Flip Books for many, many, many things. Like a one-of-a-kind Save The Date, party favor, place card or thank you. Really, there are limitless options here.

Let's chat a little more about this video clip. Ideally you would want to visit their studio and sit with Meir to record the clip. But what if you're not in South Florida? Not a problem! You can submit your own 6 second video clip OR 30 of your favorite images. Again, magically, South Beach Photo Booth Company will transform this into your own personal Flip Book!

Now, do you want to have 25 of these bad boys for your wedding? All you have to do it be the 25th reader to email events@laurendaversa.com. That's it!

What if you don't win and you want your own Flip Book? Well, email meir@southbeachphotoboothco.com at South Beach Photo Booth Company to set up an appointment for a private sitting at their studio and make an awesome announcement starring you and your honey!

Current Music : Max Sedgley


Thank me later for introducing you all to Max Sedgley, a British producer and disc jockey. My favorite song by far is Slowly and coming in close second is Devil Inside. Sexy and soulful with lots of yummy base, Max Sedgley's music rocks.

Photo courtesy of Last.fm