Life is a special occasion

Real Weddings : Patty + Francois, Norton Museum of Art


I first met with Patty (the bride to be) and Martha (mother of the bride) to discuss their wedding 6 months ago. Patty lives in Australia and the wedding venue is here in West Palm Beach. After discussing exactly what she wanted for her special day, the rest of the planning was left to her mother and Lauren Daversa Events.

Last night, everyones hard work was unveiled and the result was perfect and simply beautiful celebration of love, family of course the beginning of Patty + Francois' new life together. I am happy to share a sneak peak of the couple's first look at Pan's Garden, one of Palm Beach's hidden jewels, shot by my very good friend Jessica of Jessica Lorren Organic Photography. Be sure to check back for all the details and Patty + Francois, I wish you all the happiness in the world as you start your new life together on the other side of the world :-)

Event Planning & Styling: Lauren Daversa Events
Hair & Make-Up: Team Beauti
First Look: Pan's Garden

L | D Finds : The Small Letter Necklace


As usual, we are busy, busy, busy at Lauren Daversa Events but not to busy to appreciate super cute things like this sterling silver Love Necklace Piano Bench Designs on Etsy. It's probably pretty cheesy if I write something like "I love this necklace" but I really do!

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 was born: ASK LAUREN.

Q.
"Do I need a wedding planner if my venue has an in-house planner?"

A.
Sorry to turn into a bit of a politician here (no offense to politicians) but this question does not have yes or no answer. In fact, the answer is really more of an explanation of the difference between "in-house" and private. From this explanation, you as the bride or groom will be able to determine the answer, which really lies within your own wedding needs and wants.

The most important detail in this equation is for the bride + groom being able to understand that an in-house coordinator or planner is just that: an employee who represents the hotel or club. An independent wedding coordinator or planner who owns and operates their own private business, represents their clients (ie, the bride + groom; ie, you + your fiancé). Again, it is this difference that will dictate as to whether or not you need to hire a wedding planner, independent from your venue.

  • The in-house coordinator will do just as the title states, coordinate your event logistics as they relate to the venue. The keywords here are as they related to the venue. The independent, or private, wedding planner will coordinate all of your event logistics, from start to finish. Not just what is pertains to the wedding venue. Furthermore, a private planner will have your best interest at heart and not have the conflict of serving their employer, or the venue.

  • The in-house coordinator will recommend vendors from their vendor list for you to coordinate all of the details with on your own. The vendors you will be referred to will most likely have either paid to be included on this vendor list, or they frequently have worked at this venue. Yes, it is certainly an advantage if they frequently work at your wedding venue. However, it does not mean that they are the right fit for you and your wedding. An independent planner will suggest the right vendors for the bride + groom to work with based on their taste, style, personality and budget. Furthermore, they will negotiate the best price for the bride + groom, handle the contracts and communication and assume the role of a liaison between the couple and the vendors. The result of this, the elimination of all of the headaches from the constant back and forth while all the details are sorted out. The result of this, you and your fiancé are allowed to enjoy the festivities of being engaged!

Seems like enough, right! But there's more...

  • The in-house coordinator will be on-site for the wedding day to ensure the tables and chairs are put out and set up, they will make sure the bar is stocked and that the cake is set up. They will of course ensure the yummy food is served! Generally after dinner is on it's way, the in-house coordinator will leave the remainder of the wedding in the hands of a banquet captain. An independent planner is with their bride + groom from the start of event set up until the end of event break down. They get you ready for the ceremony, they get you back into the car at the reception and then they handle everything in between (both what you plan on and what you never thought could happen).

  • The in-house coordinator could be responsible for two or three weddings happening at the venue all on the same day as your wedding. The in-house coordinator could be showing prospective brides the venue at the same time as the start of your ceremony. The in-house coordinator could be catching up on paperwork and contracts at the same time as your grand entrance. An independent planner is focused solely on the bride + groom, their families and making sure all the vendors are doing what they are being paid to do so your wedding is perfect.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am all for in-house coordinators! They are my friends, as I see them most every weekend, and they provide an invaluable service - they manage the venue. However, a wedding is a lot more than just the venue. There are about 8 - 12 months of planning that must be attended to and nurtured, sort of like a little baby.

Now, if you are having a wedding that does not have many details that must be organized, or you're planning a casual wedding, or you're an easy-breezy bride + groom, well you may be able to get away with the in-house coordinator.

BUT if you're planning a large wedding, with a lot of details that need to be handled, if you're a bride + groom with a lot of needs, if you need help with the planning from A-Z, if you want to find the best vendors who fit into your budget and style, well then it is certainly in your best interest to hire a wedding planner!

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.

Event Inspiration : Hanging Flowers

No one is breaking the mold by suspending flowers, however, it never ceases to bring in the wow factor to an event. During a phone consult with one of my May brides, we were both searching through the pages of Bridal Snob (a little obsession of mine) when I came across these amazing images of suspended white ranunculus, courtesy of Food + Flower + Style. LOVELY! Are you suspending anything for your wedding?


Meet Kendall + Geoff




Meet Kendall + Geoff. They are the most adorable couple, and happen to also be one of Lauren Daversa Events April weddings! With a few months to go, preparations are well under way for their gorgeous affair set to take place at the Norton Museum of Art. Cabana Pictures will be there too! So I simply can't wait for the big day. To tide me over, I have all of my work and of course these amazing images from their breathtaking engagement shoot with Kat Braman.



What LDE Friends Are Up To : Kat Braman


I was beyond pleased and excited and happy and so much more when I found out that one of Kat Braman's photographs received the honor of being selected as one of Junenug Weddings best of the best of 2010! And let me just clarify, this the best of the best here...refers to the best of the best wedding photographs from 2010. Yeah, this is some serious best happening here! So feast your eyes on the best, people...


Kat, you are the best! I absolutely love working with you. Your photography speaks for itself! Congratulations!!!!!!


L | D Finds : Balsa Wood Flowers


Recently, I have decided to pick up a new obsession: balsa wood flowers. Also called tapioca flowers, these beauts are hand carved. That's right! These flowers, which are the wooden love child between a succulent and a ranuncula, are made from ecologically sustainable timber that will never wilt, never die and never-ever fade. Never-ever? Never-ever!

Ah-ma-zing, right? I know.

These babies have been popping up all over the place and sometimes require a double take. Sort of like with the succulents on this cake. Remember that! So if you are looking for a fun and/or eco-friendly and/or a more permanent bouquet or boutonnière option, ask your planner or designer how you can incorporate some basla into your program!


Photo + Design of top image courtesy of the amazing, JL Designs