Shannon and Robbie get married in Longboat Key, FL

I am so excited to share this wedding with you (the world) for so many reasons. I knew that working with this family was going to be a treat in itself because I had the privilege of coordinating Shannon's sisters wedding last year. I cannot describe in words just how much I love this family! They are all just so down-to-earth and incredibly easy to work with. Robbie, his friends, and family members definitely fit the same mold.

Shannon and Robbie's Summer wedding took place at the Hilton Longboat Key. After a beautiful ceremony on the beach, the couple and their guests celebrated with dinner and dancing under a beautiful white tent. And let me tell you....a-celebrating they did! In the years that I have been coordinating weddings and events, I have never NOT wanted one to end, until this one. I could have stayed for days watching this lively group dance and party. Robbie and his groomsmen had me laughing hysterically throughout the entire weekend. By far this wins my "Funnest Wedding" award!

The Navy and Pink color scheme that they chose for their wedding is one of my absolute favorites! Shannon and Robbie also wanted to incorporate subtle beach elements into their casual affair. The wedding ceremony included a unity sand ceremony (using navy and pink sand) which signifies the joining of two lives. The sandcastle 'motif' was used throughout their wedding invitations, ceremony programs, menu cards, and wedding cake. The Grooms cake was a replica of the Boca Grande Lighthouse, a place that Shannon and Robbie visit quite frequently.

Despite the heat, it was the perfect wedding day for Shannon and Robbie. Congrats and Best Wishes!!

Thank you so much to the amazing team of vendors!

Venue: Hilton Longboat Key
Officiant: Grace Felice

Flowers: Flowers by Fudgie

Cakes: Beautiful Cakes by Ron

Tent/Rentals: US Tents

Invitations/Stationery Items: Not from a Box

DJ/Entertainment: A Premier Entertainment

Photography: Tina Sargeant Photography

Photos by Tina Sargeant Photography

Sylvia Weinstock- The Queen of Cakes

Last week I truly had one of the most exciting days in quite some time. Sylvia Weinstock- the Queen of Cakes- attended our chapter's NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) event. I even got to sit directly next to her during lunch- but that's beside the point. (Smiley Face) The event was held at the Renaissance hotel at International Plaza in Tampa. The room was absolutely breathtaking thanks to the fabulous NACE executive board and the team of vendors that they put together for this event.

Sylvia Weinstock, (who is known for making wedding cakes for celebrity clients including Donald Trump, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few) offered fascinating insight on her personal and professional life. We were even told the history behind her infamous trademark- those glasses. I could not believe how down-to-earth and hilarious she was. My absolute favorite thing that came out of her mouth was when someone asked how she deals with difficult/nervous brides. In her slight "New Yorker" accent she replied "I tell them to HAVE A DRINK;" then continued with "it's only five hours of your life." What fantastic advice!

Be sure to check out Sylvia's new book, Sensational Cakes. I promise that you will be very impressed. I would also like to acknowledge Mark Moberg for these incredible images. You can see more photos from this event by clicking here.

Upcoming Tampa Bridal Show

Calling all brides and grooms! Don't miss the First Annual New Tampa Bridal Show on Sunday, September 20, 2009. This elite exhibit featuring some of Tampa's top wedding vendors will take place at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club from 1-4pm. Photographers, Florists, Stationers, DJ's, Linens, Cakes, Decor, Rentals and much more! Check back soon for further details and be sure to stop by the Olivier Events booth to view the goods. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.tampa-palmscc.com/.

Sylvia Weinstock comes to Tampa

Sylvia Weinstock, “Queen of Cakes,” makes a special appearance as the featured presenter for Florida West Coast NACE! Brides, Grooms, and all industry professionals- YOU WILL NOT WANT TO PASS UP THIS OPPORTUNITY!

September 21, 2009 at 12:30pm

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa

Individual Lunch Presentation tickets are available, OR you can purchase a VIP Ticket to attend a private “living room style” gathering with Sylvia (limited seating). Included with each VIP ticket is Sylvia Weinstock’s book and an autograph signing. Combo Tickets are also available for this event!

NACE Members can register early until July 31st, 2009. Tickets will go on sale to the public starting August 1st, 2009. Buy your tickets early for this exclusive event at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center!

For additional information contact programs@fwnace.com or membership@fwnace.com

Cheers to You!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone who was involved in the Cheers to You event, which benefitted the Tampa chapter of Queen for a Day. I am floored by the positive response we have had and cannot wait to out-do ourselves next year! First and foremost, I would like to thank Leah Campanella (the president of QFAD Tampa) for all that she does for this amazing organization. I would also like to thank all of the volunteers, committee members, sponsors, local companies who donated to the silent auction, guest speakers, and everyone who attended this charity fundraiser. It would not have been remotely possible without each and every one of YOU! I could not have asked for a more perfect team of vendors who donated their time, skills, products and services to this unbelievable cause. I am so grateful for all of your contributions!

Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography

Flowers/Decor: Events in Bloom

Entertainment: Inspire Entertainment

Photobooth: Shutter Booth

Coffee/Cappuccino cart: Cafe Ala Carte

Videography/Slideshow: Tampa Wonderworks

Custom invitations/Stationery: Paper Presence

Linens: Linens by the Sea

Dessert Station: Sweetie Pies

Custom Dress for Guest of Honor: Anglo Couture

Chiavari Chairs: First Class Rentals

Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank Gretchen Hill of Hunters Green Golf and Country Club who went above and beyond in every way possible!

Enjoy.....