Top picks for your Wedding day Music

If you know anything about me, you would know what a huge music person I am. I wake up to music and go to bed to music. When it comes to weddings, I think that the music you play can make or break your event. Here is a list of some of my favorite song choices. As you can see- it is pretty eclectic.

Ceremony
Ave Maria- Beyonce
The Prayer- Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
Watermark- Enya
The Wedding Song- Kenny G

First Dance
Unchained Melody- Sarah Mclachlan
I love you- Sarah Mclachlan
By your side- Sade
Suitcase- Joe Purdy
Baby can I hold you- Tracy Chapman
What a wonderful world- Louie Armstrong
Nothing Compares- Sinead O'Connor
The Dance- Garth Brooks
Secret Garden- Bruce Springstein
Feels like home- Chantel Jreviazuk
Fix you- Coldplay
Faithfully- Journey
I wanna love you forever- Jessica Simpson
Love song- 311
This years love- David Gray
I'll be (acoustic version)- Edwin McCain

Reception
Pour some sugar on me- Def Leopard
You shook me all night long- ACDC
Brick House- Commodores
Sexyback- Justin Timberlake
Yeah- Usher
Beautiful Day- U2
Don’t stop believing- Journey
I don’t want to loose your love tonight- Outfield
Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison
Alone- Heart
One in a million- Alyiah
Sugar- Trick Daddy
The way you move- Outkast
Scarred- Uncle Luke (edited version)
Word Up- Cameo
The way I are- Timberland
Night Moves- Bob Seger
Friends in low places- Garth Brooks
Feel like Making Love- Bad company
Cyclone- T Pain
Baby got back- Sir mix a lot
Time of your life- Greenday

Oh wow- I could go on for days.....

Wedding Gown Sale

TJ's Bridal and Formalwear of Lakeland, FL is having a HUGE sale right now. All of their bridal gowns have been marked with a 40% off discount. TJ's carries great brands such as Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, Maggie Sottero, House of Wu and Symphony Bridal. Stop by the store and check out their selection- 6635 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL.

Our Featured Article in Brides Magazine

As I mentioned before, Olivier Events was featured in the latest edition of Brides Magazine of Florida. What an honor! The editors called on us to give readers an "insider's scoop" on the best locations for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. Read the full article below!

You probably won't be too involved in planning your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner, but offering a few location ideas will give your relatives and friends a leg up. Here, two wedding planners- Ashly Olivier, of Olivier Events (olivierevents.com) and Kelly McWilliams, of Weddings by Socialites (weddingsbysocialites.com)-share some of their favorite party spots.

Bridal Shower
White Orchid at Oasis, Ft. Myers "This brand-new riverfront venue has an amazing catering company at the helm, so you're guaranteed a wonderful meal" - Kelly Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach "There are a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces at the Sandpearl, so the resort can accommodate showers of all sizes. Plus, you can make a day out of it- there's a spa, a lagoon style pool, and private cabanas, and you're just steps from the gorgeous beach" -Ashly The Birdcage at the ThistleLodge at Casa Ybel Resort, Sanibel Island "This is one of my favorite venues for beach weddings. The private room in the restaurant is beyond gorgeous, and perfect for bridal showers. The space is bright and airy, and you'll have the place to yourselves, as well as an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico." -Kelly The Terrace Hotel, Lakeland "This historic hotel is a charming venue for a bridal shower. The Lake Mirror Room is a good choice- the space can accommodate up to thirty-five guests and has sweeping views of the lake. It's casual yet elegant." -Ashly

Bachelorette Party
Bacchus, Fort Myers This restaurant is known for amazing food and an extensive wine list. Dine outdoors on the patio or indoors in the swanky, dimly-lit dining space." -Kelly Tampa Improv Comedy Theatre & Restaurant, Tampa "I love the idea of having dinner, drinks and a hilarious comedy show all under one roof. Plus if you're looking to keep the party going, the comedy club is located on the Centro Ybor Strip, which is where most of Tampa's hottest nightclubs and lounges are located." -Ashly Universal Citywalk, Orlando "This is the perfect location for a bachelorette party because of the endless entertainment options- everything from live music to Blue Man Group. There are also dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs, so you can hop from one spot to the next." -Ashly Pearl Lounge, Cape Coral "This spot is a restaurant and a nightclub all in one. It's in Cape Coral, which is a little off the beaten path, but it's the only nightclub where you can also get fantastic food- the sushi is awesome. Spring for a limo-you'll arrive in style and be treated like VIPs." -Kelly

Rehearsal Dinner
Avila Golf & Country Club, Tampa "This venue has the kind of warm, intimate vibe that's imperative for a rehearsal dinner. The grounds have an Old World elegance, and the restaurant serves amazing food. Hosting your rehearsal dinner there is a wonderful way to kick off your wedding festivities." -Ashly The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort, Naples "It's my pick for 'best sunset rehearsal dinners and beachfront events'- there are actually tables right on the sand. It's located between the beaches at The Ritz-Carlton Naples and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort- so for guests who are staying there, it's close. The food is also amazing." -Kelly Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando "This downtown hotel has private spaces for rehearsal dinners of all sizes. Larger parties can be held in one of the ballrooms while smaller events can take place in the Bohemian Garden, located on the roof- the views of the skyline are incredible. The hotel's extensive collection of modern art is a great conversation starter." -Ashly Dolce Vita Restaurant, Sanibel Island "This is the best rehearsal-dinner venue for weddings taking place on or near Sanibel or Captiva. In my opinion, it serves the best Italian food outside of Italy. Plus, there's live music, a huge dance floor, impeccable service- what's not to love?" -Kelly

Why BUY when you can BORROW?

A new trend in the wedding industry is renting your wedding jewelry. It allows you to wear the best jewelry on the market without the hefty price tags. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting the girls from Adorn Brides at Engage 08! Adorn Brides is an online resource that lets you borrow beautiful baubles for your big day. Best of all, the jewelry is insured while in your possession and the insurance is included in the rental price! Check out their website to view the amazing pieces that they have to offer!

Not your typical Table Number

Give your guest's tables that little extra "umphh" by presenting the table numbers in a unique way. Take a photo of you and your fiance holding a large white object and simply Photoshop the table numbers right on there. This will save you lots of time considering the hours needed to create the signs then photograph them individually. If you have chosen tall centerpieces for your reception, a great way to incorporate your table numbers is to hang them from one of the flower stems or branches. Of course, these table numbers would have to be made from a light weight material such as paper or card stock. One easy option is to print your table numbers and place them in a beautiful frame that matches the overall design of your guest's tables. Whatever option you choose, make sure to put some thought into it. It's the little wedding details like these that go such a long way!

Details Details Details!

There are so many wonderful details out there that will perfectly personalize your wedding. Here are a few useful websites for you to explore.

Wonderful Grafiti Wedding

Wonderful Graffiti (http://www.wonderfulgraffitiwedding.com/) is very thin pieces of matte vinyl that look "printed" when applied to most smooth surfaces.Your entire wedding Graffiti design arrives on one sheet of transfer paper. Just tape the transfer paper into place, burnish it down and peel it away. Only the individual letters and graphic elements remain. Wonderful Graffiti removes quickly, and won't harm underlying surfaces. Perfect for dance floors, car windows, church doors, wall focal points, and many more.

For your Party

For your party (http://www.foryourparty.com/) is not your typical party supply store. Take the creative approach and design your own personalized napkins, matches, coasters, bags, stir sticks, table numbers, gift tags and more. You get to preview the look of each item as you proceed through the online personalization process. Design and love your own party accessories!

Scent Events

Scent Events (http://www.scentevents.com/) allows you to create the most powerful mood stimulator for your wedding: scent. With the Scent Events system you can provide a scent that enhances your wedding's theme, such as the scent of a specific flower, or create a custom lineup that changes throughout the night. The subtle discrete aromas that are offered include chocolate chip cookie, wedding cake, champagne, peppermint, pumpkin spice, mango, coconut, field of fresh flowers, ocean air, and much more.

Olivier Events featured in Brides Florida Magazine

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I will be featured in the Spring/Summer 2009 edition of Brides Florida magazine. The full page write-up (titled "The Other Parties") offers two wedding planner's top locations for bridal showers, bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners. The other contributing wedding planner, Kelly McWilliams, provided suggestions for Naples, Ft. Myers and other South Florida locations. Keep your eye out for the magazine which hits news stands soon, and be sure to revisit the Olivier Events blog for the full article.

Happy 20th Anniversary Botanica

Botanica International Design Studio recently celebrated thier 20th anniversary with an unbelievable bash. Owner and lead designer Ian Prosser has been in the floral industry for over 30 years and continues to stay at the top of his game. Serving as florist to presidents and celebrities, Ian also travels around the world demonstrating, commenting and teaching floral design to his peers. Based in Tampa, FL, Botanica has been the true mastermind behind some of the area's mose fabulous weddings and events. I feel absolutely fortunate to work with such talent. Here are some photos from the 20th anniversary celebration.

Photographs by Amy Pezzicara of Pezz Photo.

Conversation Starters

A great idea to get your guest to mingle and mix is to place "conversation starters" on the dinner tables, bars and food stations. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

• "How we met" Share the story of when and where you met each other.
• On this day in history List historical or current events that took place on your wedding date.
• Honeymoon plans Give your guests a glimpse into your honeymoon by sharing the destination and some of the details.
• Wedding party introductions Let your guests know who is in your wedding party and how you know each person.
• Bride and Groom trivia List questions about the bride and groom for your guests to ask and answer. Have a small answer key on the back.

Perfect Place Settings

There are so many options available for creating your guest's place settings. And the best part about it is- there is no right or wrong option. Try out different napkin colors and folds, chargers, menu cards, etc. until you find a combination that you love. You can also incorporate flowers, garnishments and even your favors to give your place settings that "perfect" touch.

Groom of the Year Contest at Brides.com!

Does your fiance have what it takes to be Groom of the Year? If you think so, enter the Brides.com Groom of the Year contest!

The grand prize winner will get: a set of his and her platinum wedding bands from Tacori, a tuxedo rental for himself and up to five groomsmen from Men's Wearhouse, a $2500 honeymoon voucher for the Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, a Hammary Furniture entertainment console from Macy's, and a 40" high-definition television set from Brides.com. Three runner up prizes will also be awarded.

What are you waiting for??

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Put a new spin on things with the Chocoholics Truth,

Dare or Chocolate game. It will surely be the most

memorable dessert experience you have ever had.


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Capture the priceless moments of you and your
Valentine with the Flip MinoHD Camcorder. The
pocket-sized video recorder plugs directly into
your computer with a built-in USB jack and can be
customized with your favorite colors, patterns or
personal photo.

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Avoid the restaurant rush by cooking at home
with your favorite Valentine. The Crate and Barrel
Cheese and Chocolate Fondue Set includes stand, six
stainless forks with black tips and tealight candle.

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What could be better than these adorable His
and Hers matching pajama sets?

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These crystal bejeweled heart-shaped earphones from
Forever 21 come encased in a hip see-through cylinder.

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This pink metalic leather wristlet by Coach is the
perfect gift for the fashion-friendly girl on the go.

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The clever and creative coupon book is a brilliant DIY gift.
Coupons can be good for: One chore-free week;
One back massage; One home-cooked meal; ETC.

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Style your loved one from head to TOE with Nike's
personalized tennis shoes. The Nike ID website
allows you to choose the colors and design of any
shoe and can even add your name, initials or short
message to the heel.

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What guy wouldn't want to be part of the Beer
of the Month Club? The three month membership
will send 12 bottles of premium mircrobrews from
award winning breweries nationwide.

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Single? Find your prince charming with these
delicious frog prince chocolates from RedEnvelope.com.
The nine handcrafted truffles comes in this adorably
sweet candy box.

Click on photos for purchasing information.

Themed Weddings

Themed Weddings are becoming more popular by the day. Beach, Nautical, Moulin Rouge, Holiday/Seasons, Old Hollywood, Breakfast at Tiffanys, and Winter Wonderland are some of the more common themes chosen by recent brides and grooms. I will be the first to admit, they tend to be tough to pull off at times-without looking tacky or overdone. The key to a themed wedding is moderation! I cannot say it enough. I suggest to any bride who is looking to have a themed wedding is to start with an amazing venue that will enhance your ideas. One local venue that caters to the medieval, Cinderella, castle, or princess themed wedding is the Doubletree Castle Hotel in Orlando, FL. With several Renaissance-inspired ballrooms, a garden gazebo, a rooftop terrace and a fabulous outdoor pool area, there is definitely a space to fit every size and style wedding. This venue is the perfect choice for a unique yet classy themed wedding.

Dragonfly Custom Design

One of my newest (and most fabulous) vendor friends, Lindsey Luxa of Dragonfly Custom Design, just launched her new website (www.dragonflycustomdesign.com) that you must see for yourself. It showcases some of her amazing hand-made invitations that I consider to be real masterpieces. Since opening in 2005, Dragonfly Custom Design has quickly risen to the top of the industry to become one of the nation’s leading custom invitation companies. Lindsey’s one-of-a-kind designs are favored by both celebrity and high-end wedding, social and corporate clients around the world. What a talent!

A wedding Thank You...from the Groom.

I often receive Thank You letters from my brides and mother-of-the-brides after the wedding but rarely do I receive something soley from the groom. I guess it's a guy thing. I recently received this letter from one of my grooms and I just had to share it with all of you. Sniffle Sniffle

Ashly,

I am sorry that I haven't done this sooner, but wanted to thank you for everything you did for Holley and I for our wedding. You were amazing and I could never thank you enough for everything. I am eternally greatfull for making that night so special for Holley and I. It far exceeded anything that I could have ever imagined and I would not have changed anything. I can't get over that it is here and gone already though, it seems like just yesterday when we were still planning the whole thing. It was more perfect than I even imagined. I was so stressed leading up to the wedding with me just losing my job, and Holley's Mom's condition that came about with the cancer. I am so thankful to you because it was something I didnt stress over because you were so great and I knew everything was taken care of to the fullest.

I thank you soo much from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful wedding that Holley and I will always remember. Thank You!!! You are truly amazing for everything you did!!! I am again eternally greatfull!

I also wanted to tell you that if you ever, ever needed any help with setting anything up for any event you are planning like at the facililty or anything...Setting up chairs, tables, anything at all that needs to be helped with please let me know, I would be so glad to help you in any way that I can.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU again for everything!!!!

Sincerely,

Scott

The ghost chair

Having trouble matching your chairs with your table linens? Here's the solution: the ghost chair. Although it looks very modern and chic, it can accentuate any style or feel that you are looking to create. The ghost chair can also be customized with a removable applique to add that over-the-top look to your wedding or event. These chairs can be rented and shipped from high end rental companies throughout the United States such as Resource One.

Catering by Design

Earlier today I attended Catering by Design's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" bruncheon (as I would like to call it). WOW, is the first word that comes to mind. Let me start off by telling you all of the delicious food that they served...Lobster Gravy over chive biscuits; pork grillades and grits gruyere with artichoke, bacon and leek; and best of all malted waffles with whoppers, whipped cream and hot fudge sauce. I know your mouth is watering right now. The Tiffany's themed decor was the icing on the cake...very well done! I just knew it was going to be amazing when I was greeted at the door with a glass of flavored champagne. And amazing it was!

I cannot say thank you enough to Lauren and Lauren for the unbelievable hospitality and the extremely thoughtful gift. What a first class company you have. It was truly a pleasure to be in a room filled with women of such calliber who share the same passion for weddings as I do. Way to kick off 2009!

Favorite Celebrity Weddings

Anyone who knows me knows what a HUGE celebrity junkie I am. Sadly, I subscribe to many of those juicy gossip tabloids...I guess you can say it's my guilty pleasure. When I get word that another "secret" celebrity weddings has gone down, I cannot wait to scour every website, newspaper or magazine to see the photos. Here are some of my all-time favorite celebrity weddings.

Marcia Cross and Tom Mahoney

Donald Trump and Melania Knauss

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann