March 12, 2013
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Have I mentioned my admiration for social media? Fashion stylist, Laura Hunt, and I have been virtual friends for a few years. Her online personality is both inspiring and positive. I’ve admired and followed along her career and travels and hoped to one day have the opportunity to work with her. You can imagine my excitement when recently, she reached out on Twitter and complimented our work!

Laura, who currently lives in L.A. was asked to be a style expert guest on the air with host, Jerry Penacoli, on the Daytime TV Show here in Tampa to discuss the Pantone “IT” color of the year, “emerald green”. She shared how to wear this color three different ways on three separate models on the television style segment, and I was there to document the fun that happened behind the scenes at the NBC Daytime Studio!

It was an absolute pleasure working with Laura, and her personality is even better in person. As a bonus, I was able to connect and work with a couple of additional Facebook friends that morning (it’s definitely a small online world)!

Here’s a peek behind the scenes:

March 08, 2013
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Molecule centerpiece, periodic table seating chart, & electric cake? This “Science of Love” wedding editorial has been under wraps for over a year, patiently waiting to inspire science lovers and even those that skipped the class. I am thrilled to see it recently featured on Every Last Detail, and to feature some of our favorite images here for your pinning pleasures!

Here’s some inspiring details about the shoot from Staci of Unique Event Design,

“Annie & Adam” met in college. As scientists, they wanted their wedding to represent the story of their relationship, hence “Science of Love” was created. A metallic color scheme combining copper, gold, and silver was set.The venue’s metal, glass, and concrete interior created an amazing contrast against the elegant bride. The bride carried an avant garde bouquet, combining orchids, lilies, and scabiosa pods. The exotic florals and frayed wire accents created an asymmetrical shape and loads of dimension. The groom’s boutonniere kept a masculine edge by combining the flowers with wires. For a unique take on a unity ceremony, the bride & groom poured vinegar over baking soda creating an overflowing, scientific reaction. A periodic table seating chart was used to guide the guests to their seat. Cocktail hour centerpieces incorporated dry ice and fire, and hors d’oeuvres included tomato soup served in test tubes and shrimp with sauce eyedroppers. Beakers and glass containers of floating candles led the way to the table setup on the first floor of the museum. A linen, replicating liquid copper, framed the tablescape beautifully. The table centerpiece was reminiscent of the design of DNA, with hexagon shapes and connecting tubes, atop a metal mesh runner. The table number looked like a typical piece of notebook paper and broke down multiple math problems with x = the table number. The stand alone menus were the major highlight of the tabescape resembling miniature 3-sided science project boards. A copper colored calla lily graced each napkin and hexagon placecards had the guests’ names noted like periodic table elements. For dessert, the mysterious chocolate balloon was featured. Warm liquid is poured over an edible sphere and as it melts, a chocolate dessert is revealed inside. The wedding cake was kept all white with metallic frayed wire accents and a wire heart topper. It had a backdrop of metal slats and was highlighted with exposed light bulbs above.

A HUGE thank you to the stellar team behind this editorial:
Models: Grace and Johnathan / Event Design & Planning: Unique Event Design / Flowers & Decor: The Bride’s Bouquet / Invitations & Stationery: A&P Designs / Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Events & Catering / Cake Baker: It’s Icing on the Cake / Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Artist Group / Bridal Salon: The Dressing Room/ Linens: Connie Duglin Linens Venue: MOSI

Judy of The Dressing Room brought a few gorgeous gowns and Grace looked absolutely exquisite in all three!

February 22, 2013
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Is it really almost March? 2013 is flying by, but not before offering the most amazing opportunities! Kismis Ink has a few surprises in store that we’ll be revealing in the next few months, so get excited! But first, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be a guest speaker at the Essentials Workshop at the gorgeous new Blue Lane Studios on March 2nd. If you haven’t registered yet, you have a few more days so jump on it here!

 

 

I can’t thank Shay and Ashlee enough for inviting me to share some insight on social media and how it’s been a tremendous tool in my business success.

 

A few weeks ago, I posted these words below on my Instagram and I wake up with this truth daily. Set the bar high.

Happy Friday!

February 18, 2013
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When Linda of Linda Marie Weddings & Events asked me to be a speaker at an upcoming ABC luncheon at the Crown Parlor, I was flattered, but at the same time my palms got sweaty and I thought I’d pass out. You see, years ago I had my heart set on becoming a broadcast journalist. That was until I received a letter stating that it was not in my best interest to pursue that career path due to my hispanic vowel distortion. What do you mean 2 and 1/2 isn’t pronounced tunahaf?!  Add to that the excessive amount of hand movement that I use while I talk (I think I missed my calling to be an air traffic controller) and it could get pretty crazy! However, the thought of sharing valuable insights on Twitter and social media (one of my favorite topics) and inspiring other small business owners surpassed any silly fears that I had. The delicious food, (endless tea, tea sandwiches, scones, cakes and desserts served on fine bone china with individual multi-level tier) sweet crowd, and charming European-esque tea room added up to a fun, unforgettable experience.

A HUGE thanks to Linda, the wonderful members of ABC and Mac & Vicky of Crown Parlor for the wonderful opportunity and great time! And a very special thank you to my hubby, Khaled, for capturing some snapshots of the day and putting together this highlight video.

Bonus points to whoever can guess how many times I moved my hands while speaking that day!


February 01, 2013
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There are so many special moments during a wedding event but one of my favorite times is during the speeches. At that time you get to see a different side of your couple. You get to know the bride and groom through the eyes of their loved ones. Besides the laughs and tears, you can feel the power of love with every word. Morgan and John’s wedding weekend started with their rehearsal dinner and after hearing their family and friends express such beautiful words about this happy couple, there was no doubt this would be an unforgettable weekend.

We already knew how awesome Morgan and John are together (as you can see here) but spending the weekend with their family and friends was an incredible experience. They were such a fun-loving group and boy, do they know how to party! We even grabbed some great shots of Aunt Debbie breaking it down on the dance floor! :)

Morgan and John’s wedding ceremony took place under an oak tree on the golf course with beautiful Cypress trees surrounding them. Morgan looked absolutely radiant in her lovely wedding gown. They integrated a wine unity ceremony and their family and friends enjoyed the string quartets. After the ceremony, everyone mingled and toasted champagne on the green.

Thoughtfully, instead of registering for gifts, Morgan and John had their guests make donations to ASPCA, a wonderful organization fighting against animal cruelty.

Now, unto Morgan and John’s wedding reception details…be still my heart. Let’s just say that since Morgan’s wedding in December, I’ve needed wanted a monogrammed chevron-print ice sculpture table, an a la carte cappuccino station, and a caricature station in my home but Khaled keeps telling me that’s crazy talk.

There’s no way that I can choose a favorite detail (as you’ll see below). The food stations were mouth-watering (there was sushi, center seafood bar, Cuban, Asian, and cheese/bread stations) and the center pieces and Nuage linens were stunning! Morgan and John’s guests enjoyed a cigar station, two live bands while dancing or relaxing in the lounges or cabanas, took some candid fun shots in the photobooth (Khaled and I may have joined in on the fun for a few seconds) and celebrated the night away! There was something to do for everyone!

MMD did a gorgeous job on the black and white chevron main bar and Morgan and John’s letterpress invitations, created by the talented A&P Designs, were drool-worthy. Morgan and John had an amazing team of vendors and we were honored to be a part of such an important day in their lives. They have become dear friends to us and we couldn’t be more excited to share some of our favorite images from their special day. Enjoy!

Vendor Credits:
Wedding Venue: Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
Wedding gown: Anne Barge
Boutique: Malindy Elene Couture for the Bride
Tuxedo rentals: Men’s Wearhouse
Bride’s Wedding shoes: Tom’s
Hair/Make up: Indaba Spa at Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
Catering and Cakes/Dessert: Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
String Quartet by: Alafia String Quartet
Caribbean Music by: Caribbean Crew
Booked through: D. Bailey Management
Reception Music by: Ace Factor
Booked through: D. Bailey Management
All decor by: MMD Events
Limo/Transportation: Skyline Limousine
Stationer/Paper Products: A&P Designs
Cinematographer: Lucky Lemon Films
Caricatures by: Dave Smith Caricatures
Cigar Rolling by: Long Ash Cigars
Photo Booth by: Shutterbooth Tampa

Rehearsal Dinner:

Wedding Day:

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