However, because of the property’s magnificent location, 6,000 sq ft home, size of the lot and their guest house, hosting their wedding anywhere else was not an option.  So of course, we were able to make it happen.  We called Southern Tree Service and Land Clearing at www.SouthernTreeandLand.com and received an estimate to install an underground drainage system in order to drain the water from the soggy areas, trim the over grown trees and remove a few trees in the way of holding the ceremony.

John Perrie at Southern Tree Service and Land Clearing was able to visit the property that same day, understood exactly what we were looking for and provided us with a clear and concise estimate.  After a few days we had full use of the entire property - everything was nice and dry, all the trees were trimmed and some moved - we had more than enough room for the ceremony and reception to hold 150 guests.

Beth and Ryan were ecstatic - which of course is what it’s all about!  Congratulations to the happy couple and thank you Southern Tree Service and Land Clearing, www.southerntreeandland.com

Upon first entering, one will also notice the mantra on the wall “Exquisite Events: It’s all about you!”   “Our goal is to create a beautiful and comfortable space where a bride can come and plan her wedding with one of our expert coordinators,” says Lisa Mohyla.  “We want her to feel like anything is possible and we are completely dedicated to making her event spectacular.”

Exquisite Events was started by Lisa Mohyla four years ago to coordinate weddings and events throughout the Tampa Bay area in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota.  Exquisite Events also plans destination weddings throughout the United States and the Caribbean.  Mohyla’s experience as an event planner is extensive, including but not limited to; planning benefits, weddings, retirement parties, birthday parties, collegiate seminars, corporate socials and staff trainings.

Elizabeth Smith has recently joined Exquisite Events as a lead coordinator.  Liz brings over 20 years of experience in planning successful and amazing events.  As a Dallas Texasnative, Liz has served on numerous boards of directors and fund raising committees.  Her past accomplishments include serving as the youngest President of the Cancer Research Foundation women’s Auxiliary, President of the Young Lawyers Wives association, record-breaking fundraising chairman of the Silver Spurs Western Gala, sustaining member of the Junior League, as well as many other fundraising, party planning committees and boards.   Liz also founded and later sold the chic jewelry line “Two Blonde Lizzards”.

Liz has called Florida home the past 4 years.    Liz joins Exquisite Events after a successful 3 years at a popular destination wedding resort on St. Pete Beach.   Liz has coordinated well over 300 weddings and is recognized for her award winning dedication to her clients, her bigger than Texas personality and her consistent high standards for nothing less than fabulous!

Assistant event coordinator, Nicole Synadinos, was also recently hired with Exquisite Events.  She has worked in the wedding and event industry for the last five years here in Florida and in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio.  “In these tough economic times, the fact that Exquisite Events is expanding shows that the company is doing something right,” says Synadinos, “Our clients value our genuine commitment and enthusiasm for their wedding or special event.”

Contact Information:
Address:  226 150th Ave. , Maderia Beach, FL 33708
Phone number:  727-224-1471
Email:  lisa@etbevents.com
Website:  www.etbevents.com
Follow us on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/ExquisiteEventsFlorida

During the Middle Ages Western European brides wore dark, jewel-tone colors made from the most luxurious fabrics. Blue was a common color since it was the symbol of purity in the day. This is how we got the “Something Blue” wedding rhyme that we still say today. These brides wore their social class outwardly in their rich, colorful gowns made from fur, silk, velvet, precious stones, and gold and silver thread.

Brides from the East, such as China, India, and Vietnam, traditionally wore dresses of red and gold silks. Red was and is considered a bold color of good fortune in this part of the world. In China, the traditional gown may be embroidered with a dragon and phoenix design to symbolize the balance of male and female power. Indian brides can wear most any color since women have traditionally been seen as alluring, beautiful flowers and held in high esteem within their culture.

In 1840, Queen Victoria of England married her cousin Albert in a large white and lace wedding gown. With the recent invention of photography, her wedding photo quickly spread throughout the Western world and became a symbol of what was in fashion. She wore white because it represented a sacramental Christening gown. Her extravagant white dress also showed her wealth and affluence since it could only be worn once. Brides of a lesser class often chose a colored dress that they could alter and wear again and again. However, Gody’s Lady Book of 1849 said that white was now the most fitting hue because, “It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.”

Many designers today are bucking the norm and offering more and more unique and colored wedding gowns. Vera Wang, Alfred Angelo, Monique Lhuillier, Maggie Sottero, Marchesa, and others have recently shown collections with dress in almost every color. Soft champagnes, blushes, buttercups, and silvers are most common, but you may also find pale green, lilac, red, dark pewter, or even black modern wedding gowns.

Your wedding day is the most intimate and “uniquely you” event that anyone will ever have. When choosing a colored wedding gown, you must be careful that it looks very elegant and not at all like it could be mistaken for a prom dress.  Singer Gwen Stefani recently wore a stunning white to pink ombre dyed dress that faded from white on the top to hot pink on the bottom.  Color is not something to fear, it should be embraced as a reflection of you and your personality!

Green is everyone’s favorite color these days. You’ll hear “green” used to describe a vast variety of different products for your body, home, and now even wedding. Here are a few suggestions to making your big day fantastic with a smaller, healthier footprint on the environment.

Rings– If you buy your rings new, be sure to purchase “conflict free” diamonds. This means the diamonds require an origin certified to be free from violence, human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental destruction. Most of these diamonds are mined in Canada, which being close to the United States, also saves money and oil associated with transportation costs. Great conflict free engagement ring options can be found at www.BrilliantEarth.com. You can also search out man-made diamonds, such as at www.DiamondNexusLabs.com, and save a lot of greenbacks as well.

Flowers–While exotic cut flowers flown in from across the globe are beautiful at your wedding, they are not the most practical thing for the environment. Try to search out cut flowers that are grown on local organic farms in your community if possible. Living potted plants, such as herbs, succulents, and miniature roses, can easily be used in place of cut flowers on your table centerpieces. Herbs, for example, can be used after the wedding for cooking, aloe is a natural skin soother, and all living plants replace harmful carbon dioxide with fresh oxygen. You can skip the floral look all together and use soy candles, fresh fruit, shells, nuts, or anything else that you can find locally.

Stationary—Recycling is obviously a great way to help the environment. Try to find invitations and programs that are made from at least 25% post consumer waste. www.TwistedLimbPaper.com has invitation options that are 100% PCW and processed without damaging chlorine. Encourage guests to recycle your invitation by putting a small “Please recycle” line on the back. Seeds can also be embedded in the paper so that your guests can plant the invitation and enjoy the gift of wild flowers in its place. Natural based inks, such as soy or linseed oil, are also much better for the environment that old petroleum-based inks. As everyone becomes more tech-savvy, you may also want to consider an online only RSVP instead of the traditional reply card and envelope. You can put all of your wedding details, such as maps, hotel information, etc. here online to save on paper and stamps.

Favors—Your wedding favors can be just about any small trinket that you’d like to give. Consider giving your guests a packet of seeds, a living evergreen tree seedling from www.GreenWorldProject.Net, or the living components of your centerpiece. Instead of a physical gift, you can also let your guests know that you have donated money to your favorite environmental protection organization, such as www.GreenPeace.org, www.EarthJustice.org.

Travel—Off-set all of your honeymoon and guest travel CO2 pollution by having a climate-neutral wedding! Invest in renewable energy initiatives with www.TerraPass.com and www.CarbonFund.org.

There are many great green things that you can do to on your wedding day. Hiring Exquisite Events, an experienced wedding coordinator, is your fist step to planning the event you desire. We are full of great ideas for green weddings and events and will work with you to see that they are followed through. We are passionate about creating the best environment for you on your wedding day and beyond.

1.  Cake Jewelry- can you believe it!  Swvaroski crystals either monograms, flowers, wreathes even a tiara made into a cake topper for any event.  Lovely!

2.  I came across a crystal “glass slipper” on FBYS.com.  So cute! Would be a perfect way to ask a girl to marry you….”You are my one and only princess….the only one who fits in this slipper and in my heart!”  yes sappy, but it can be improved upon.  It could be a nice shower favor (it comes in a clear box with ribbon) or party favor at the wedding.  It could then be used as a paper weight at home or the office! Every girl needs a glass slipper! “One shoe can change your world!” ~Cinderella 

3.  I’ve seen a new trend towards brides using real lace to decorate their cakes instead of having the cake decorated, painstakingly, to look like their lace on their dress.  Takes less time and labor and therefore, less expensive.  The lace can be taken off before serving.  Cost effective yet still beautiful. 

4.  Another neat site is pwponline.com, Products with Personality.  I came accross many unique items.- love these lip balm favors.  I also loved the wine cork place holders.  There are so many ways to make your day unique and special.

5.  A wedding day tip:  make sure your dance floor is well lit.  I have seen many photos come out dim and dark due to low lighting on the dance floor.  Ask your photographer, videographer, or DJ what can be done to make sure your first dance is captured for eternity!

 Make your wedding special with these great ideas.

1.  Use a photo booth at your reception for fun photos your guests can take home and a few you can keep too!  Provides hours of entertainment!!

2.  For your destination beach weddings….beach jewelry.  I saw a barefoot bride wearing a pearl wrap around her foot.  The only way to describe it is…a pearl toe ring with pearls that continued up the top of  foot and then wrapped around her ankle.  So pretty!!  See beachbridejewlery.com

3.  Don’t feel tied to flowers that match the bride and bridesmaids bouquets.  I saw a boutonniere that featured some pretty leaves, a Swarovski crystal and a branch or two beautifully pulled together and for the outdoors man, fishing lure, shell and other greenery…so apropos but stylish.  Loved it!  Featured in Brides Florida.   

4.  Have you ever thought of a spa party for your shower or bachelorette party? Why not try a mobile spa that can come to you?  Instead of taking over a salon, call your favorite place and see if you can arrange them to come to you.  There’s also mobile spas that will come to you.  If you can’t arrange it via your local spa or there isn’t a mobile spa operating in your area, try calling the bigger hotels they probobly have people who do come to your home and are professionals. Exquisite Events can help you arrange this as well. 

5.  Need help coming up with a creative gift for your friends helping with the wedding,  bridesmaids and groomsmen?  A personalized gift is always unique and treasured.  Spa bags with mani/pedi sets inside, robe or headbands to keep hair out of your face during a massage or facial are nice….make them spectacular by personalizing the bags with your bridal parties names.  What about a monogrammed beach bag with a pair of flip flops and sunglasses for that beach wedding or girls night out before hand!  Guys would like a poker set of cards, chips and carrier or beer or wine glasses monogrammed.  It’s the extra touch that makes the gift meaningful.

When planning a lunch or dinner wedding reception and a guest list which exceeds fifty (50) a seating chart is a priority and Exquisite Events has devised some simple rules to live by. 

Specialty seating – the newlyweds sit at the center table which should be the most prominent table in the room.  The best man should be on the Bride’s right the Maid Of Honor should be on the grooms left, the rest of the bridal party may sit as they wish.  Sometimes the bride and groom’s parents sit at the head table.

The bride and groom’s parents can sit with each other or they can host their own table. Divorced parents can host separate tables.  The officiant can be seated at the head table along with his/her spouse if room allows or with either of your parents.  Some smart moves: try to put people with the same things in common together: college chums, work mates; friends, hobbies of interest etc.

Do have a children’s table in you have more than 3 children in attendance.  They will have more fun and so will their parents.  You can place coloring books, puzzles, and other games along with a candy centerpiece on said table thereby keeping the children entertained.

Do put the escort cards (seating assignment) in rows alphabetically.  These should be placed near the entrance to the reception.  Your guests will take these as they arrive so they can be used as favors or menu choices.  We at Exquisite Events have many ways to do this from of course Exquisite to whimsical. 

Don’ts in seating.

1)      Don’t sit all the single guests together.  They will spend the night feeling as if they are misfits or have “single” stamped on their foreheads.  Your wedding reception is not a dating opportunity – although some romances begin at weddings. Seat them with people they know or will have something in common with.

2)      Do not put elderly guests too close to the band, speakers, kitchen or any other location that may be loud or busy.

3)      Don’t seat more than eight (8) guests at a 60 – 62” table or more than ten (10) guests at a 70” table and “NO” not even if it’s a child.

4)      Keep in mind the flow of traffic to get to the buffet, bar, dance floor etc.

THINK AGAIN…..
THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS….

The Lunch Wedding Reception

While you may think that having a lunch wedding reception isn’t as fashionable and apropos as dinner, it does provide you with many savings and can be done just as elegantly as the traditional dinner soiree.

The most important thing to keep in mind when planning a lunch wedding reception is timing. It’s imperative that the ceremony be done early enough that the guests are still in their lunch mode and aren’t moving towards “happy hour” or “cocktail hour” mentality. That mentality will bring in heavier drinking and a bigger bar bill. So, try to have your reception start no later than 2 ish. Your invitation timing should make most of your guests aware of the type of fare being served. Just in case, wording can convey that fact quite easily that this is not a four course dinner by stating “light lunch” or “light hors d’oeuvres.”

Lunches can be very intimate and low key. Depending on your motif ….they can be very elegant or very casual. As, always the more elegant you go…the more expense usually involved. However, an intimate, relaxed atmosphere can be created very easily with nice low centerpieces, soft lighting and bright, fresh decorations.

The meal itself should be filling but not as heavy as dinner. If you stay true to a normal lunch menu you will be fine. Consider limiting the types of drinks served and create a menu of signature drinks. Maybe naming one after the bride and the groom or find out the favorites of some of the other important members of the bridal party such as best man and maid of honor or parents of the bride and groom and having them each come up with a signature drink and name. Another alternative is to serve typical brunch/lunch type drinks such as sangria and mimosas for alcoholic drinks and raspberry teas and lemonades for non.

With a lunch reception, you may not need or desire a full band or DJ. Think about an acoustic guitarist or duet. You could still do your signature dance with your groom while creating a low key, elegant, intimate ambience. Maybe a piano player who can do requests…..outdoor parties can do a steel drum band….or a sketch artist to do simple portraits of the guests which doubles as a keepsake. 

The Dessert Wedding Reception

What decadence! A reception built around everyone’s favorite course …dessert!! Of course, this means your wedding reception will have a later start…..maybe 8 pm after traditional dinner hours are done, but still can contain all the essential elements of a first class reception. The timing should convey that fact that it’s after dinner time but you can be very clear on your invitations stating “Dessert reception to follow” or Join us for desserts at our reception….”

What to serve…?? Well, that’s taken care of isn’t it! Your only major decisions will be how many fabulous choices you want to offer your guests. Though you may want to downsize the portions to bite size ! Of course, you will still want to serve your wedding cake but here again, go with smaller portions since your guests will be filling up on lots of sugar. Another idea, would be to include a cheese and fruit tray for those who may be watching their weight, have health issues such as diebetes and may not like sweet items in general. It’s always a good ideal to offer something to balance out the menu. Drinks could include champagne, Mimosas, sangrias and dessert liquers, wines and cordials. No reception is complete without coffee…maybe even with flavored shots to add to them.

There are several ways to lay out a room for this type of wedding reception but the most efficient is buffet stations. If it is a smaller wedding one long table will work out perfectly fine and be lovely. However, if you are expecting quite a few guests, setting up stations around the room encourages everyone to wander around a bit. Some people will want to sit but it’s not necessary to have seating for all. Cocktail tables are fine, small, intimate groupings of tables and chairs scattered around will create a cozy, intimate setting.

To keep your guests entertained, depending on the length of your reception`, music should be incorporated….be it background music, harpist, acoustic guitarist or if the reception is longer …a DJ, soloist or small band.

A Cocktail Wedding Reception can be a lot of fun but has to be planned especially carefully as the timing is crucial.   This type of reception is usually done in the late afternoon before dinner…happy hour time.  Though it’s my personal opinion that it could also be done late in the evening 8 ish if so desired.    Basically, before or after dinner hours or your guests will be hungry and come expecting to be fed.  Your invite should state very clearly that this is not a dinner. “ Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at our reception.  Please join us” should work fine.

As in any cocktail party, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails should be served!  The usual fare of hors d’oeuvres is fine.  Follow the etiquette rules of about 10 pieces per person and you should be fine.  To keep the open bar from reaching sky high costs try limiting it to beer, wine and maybe a few specific drinks.

As with the Dessert Wedding Reception, seating for everyone is not required.  Create a fun, cozy atmosphere by setting up seating areas that make it easy for people to mix and mingle.  Meanwhile, a singer or duet…whatever you choose can be entertaining in the background. 

The Brunch Wedding Reception

Brunch is not only for Sundays anymore.  It’s easy to incorporate a late morning wedding with a brunch reception.  Everyone loves brunch! Who doesn’t like to eat breakfast all day!  And it provides your guests and you with many choices to create a varied menu.  As always, a clearly stated message in your invite should answer all your guests questions as to what to expect.  “Please join us for brunch immediately following the ceremony” is all your guests will need to plan accordingly.

Again, any kind of background music will suffice if you don’t want to have a band or live music of any sort.  Though a small musical grouping will allow you to have all the traditional dances if you so desire.

With a brunch you should have seating for all as your meals can be a little heavier than some with breakfast fare.  Though you may decorate in a light and easy manner in accordance with the early hour.  Simple flower centerpieces or small arrangements will add a nice touch.

Brunch drinks are fairly standard and include mimosas, champagne, sangrias and wine.  Of course, you may want to provide beer as well.  Coffee and tea should be available throughout.

As with all weddings and receptions, this is your day.  Whatever you plan will be fine if you balance your wishes and your guests’ needs.  Above all else…have fun, your wedding day will be a memorial event for all!

1)      Forgo the full bar – We have found that by providing only beer/wine/soda and a signature drink you can cut your bill in half.

2)      Find a BYOB venue – choose a site that will let you bring your own liquor.  By it by the case and save up to 10 – 15 % off a single bottle.  In the state of Florida you can return unopened bottles for a full refund; whether you purchased it by the case or as a single bottle.

3)      Say yes to a different bubbly – Instead of the expensive French bubbles serve a sparkling wine like Prosecco (Italy) or Cava (Spain) - these mimic champagne’s bubbly personality but not their price tag.

4)      Avoid Designer Lables – Choose non brand names liquors and have house wines instead of premium brands.  Most guests won’t even notice.

5)      Use trays – Have your wait staff offer glasses of champagne and wine from trays.  This lets you serve less expensive varities without worrying about your guests judging the drink by the label.

6)      Think Tuesday – If most of your guests are local get married on an off night.  Sunday through Thursday.  Most people tend to drink less when they have to work the next day.

7)      Plan a Themed Reception – When you do this you can limit beverages to a few appropriate options. For example, serve wine for an Italian celebration or Coronas and Margarehttas for a Mexican themed reception.  These are just a few examples the options are limitless.

      Work with your wait staff – You can have your wedding planner work with your wait staff.  They can ask them to just clear empty glasses from the tables.  This avoids driving the guests back to the bar when they notice that their half full gin and tonic has disappeared.

9)      Open as needed – Have the bar tender start a new bottle ONLY when needed.  Other wise you will be charged for an opened bottle of “Johnny Walker Red” even if no one orders a single drink from that bottle.

10)  Time it right – Avoid “over time”.  At certain hotels an extra hour of open bar (average 7.00 per person) would cost you $1050.00 for a hundred and fifty guests.

Exquisite Events is committed to making your wedding one of the most memorable events of your life while keeping the costs within your budget.