Archive for 'Vendors'
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!
I am obsessed with everything about this editorial. The gold, glitter, nail glam, gorgeous downtown Tampa venue, everything! When Amanda from MMD asked us to collaborate for this exclusive Ruffled shoot, I was beyond thrilled and when she mentioned chevron, animal prints, paisley, butterflies while describing her vision, I couldn’t sleep just thinking about how gorgeous this shoot was going to be! This editorial is filled with inspiration for the modern bride. One of my favorite details is the wedding reception lounge area. Every wedding needs one of these, an area where friends and family can gather and enjoy the ambience.
It was such a pleasure working with an awesome team of vendors. You can read all the details on the Ruffled feature, but here are some of our favorites images from the day. Khaled also surprised us with an awesome behind-the-scenes video you can catch below!
Vendor credits:
Shoot Location: Tampa, FL / Event Designer, Florals, Lighting, Draping, and Decor: MMD Events / Photographer and Videographer: Kismis Ink Photography / Shoot Venue: The Vault / Event Planning and Custom Favors: Confetti Events/ Custom Lounge: Amanda Allen Designs for I HEART Vintage / Custom Bar, Table, and French Bistro Chairs: I HEART Vintage / Wedding Gown and Accessories: The Dressing Room / Hair and Nails: Makeup & Hair by Monique / Sherry Bae Restifo: Make Up Artist Bridesmaids’ Attire: Influence Style / Men’s Attire: The Met / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Nomeda / Napkins, Napkin Cuffs, Sequin Pillows, and Cake Linen: Nuage Designs / Back Bar Linen: Connie Duglin Linen / Wedding Invitations and Paper Goods: A & P Designs
The last few months have been a whirlwind of travel, weddings, events, and trying to recuperate from my first (and hopefully last) battle with a bad kidney stone so unfortunately my blogging has fallen behind. But, the silver lining is that we’ll have lots of eye candy for you almost weekly until the end of the year! We’ll start off with this vintage shabby baby shower/welcome party that I’ve been dying to share! Get your Pinterest boards ready…
I was honored when our dear friend, Julie, of Chic Designs & Fabulous Events contacted us a few months ago for her son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Saray’s baby shower. She sent me over the details and I fell head-over-heels in love with the her vision! I mean, the ice-cream station, vintage crib for gifts, an absolutely breathtaking cake…my list of favorite details is endless.
We had the opportunity of working with a fantastic team and want to take a moment to thank Natalie of Chic Sweets, Samantha of Signature Event Rentals, Erin, Johan and Priscila of Priscilla Cakes, Kristin of Kate Ryan Linens, The Regent Brandon, FH Weddings, Connie Duglin Specialty Linen, Olympia Catering & Events and everyone else for all of their hard work and stunning details to make this such a special day for Julie and her lovely family. We had such an amazing time not only documenting these precious details but celebrating along with them such a blessed occasion!
Little Gianna is almost 3 months old already and I’m sure she is being showered with lots of love and stealing hearts with her beauty!
It’s surreal that we’re finally able to share this dear-to-our-heart editorial with you! I’ve had to keep from sharing the images since December 2010 (yes, that was extremely difficult to do!) As you may have seen a few featured images here and there, now that the print feature is out, I’m finally able to feature the entire shoot on our blog! Just in time to complete the month of love, feast your eyes on rich pomegranate, gold tones and the inspiring details from this shoot.
The pomegranate was a big inspiration for us due to the symbolism of plentifulness, fruitfulness and sweetness- a feeling that we believe all brides should have in their weddings.
We brainstormed for weeks and Khaled drew a storyboard to help us visualize what we wanted to create. Brenda and I created an inspiration board and soon enough the project was under way and we were ready to create some magical images. We could not have brought these ideas to life without the incredibly talented team we were blessed with! A huge thanks to everyone that was part of this wonderful adventure, we look forward to working together again soon!
At the end of this post you’ll find a beautiful film created by the super-talented Bryan Coward of Tampa Wonderworks. You’ll also see Khaled make a cameo in the last few minutes of the behind-the-scenes!
Enjoy!
Co-Designer: Mariana of Kismis Ink Photography
Co-Designer + Invitation and Paper Goods: Brenda Maille of Best Wedding Sites & Wedding Girl on etsy
Bouquet & Centerpiece: MMD Events
Centerpiece, Table Number, Mr & Mrs chair decor + chalkboard sign: Every Last Detail
Cinema and Video: Bryan of Tampa Wonderworks Films
Dress Store: The White Closet Co. {Designer: Mikaella Gown and Enzoani Shawl}
Cake Designer: Mante Baronas of Cakes by Nomeda
Heirlooms and extras: Gracylu Originals
Linens, Coverings + Chandelier: Kate Ryan Linens
Equipment Rentals (Chevari Chairs & tables): Signature Events By Design
Makeup Artist: Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Artist Group
Model: Marlene
Jewelry: Edera Jewelry {Aiglentine Bracelet, worn as both a necklace and bracelet. Consists of real silver threads, red silk ribbon ties, freshwater pearls, vintage rhinestones and quartz crystals}
Escort card holder: Homegoods
Desserts: Publix Bakery/Mariana
China: Ethan Allen
Dazzling, sparkling, and, INSPIRING. That pretty much sums up the ISS experience in Mexico. The luxurious event, held in Cancun, Mexico, was filled to the brim with exquisite details, expert speakers and an electrifying atmosphere. It was absolutely amazing to shoot and participate in such a creative, fun-filled environment. I can’t thank Stacie, founder of Inspire Smart Success, enough for trusting me with such a huge endeavor. Each day was filled with so many unforgettable details and experiences. It’s hard to pick a favorite from the event, but shooting the fire-dancers during the Blanco Party was definitely a thrill! Everyone at the event was warm and welcoming and we built an instant bond. I can’t begin to describe and count the immense talent behind this event. The gorgeous paper products created by Tifany of Gourmet Invitations, the beautiful cinematography of Ryan and Eric of Epic Motion, the unparalleled service by the staff of Now Sapphire resort, just to name a few.
Last summer I had the privilege of attending ISS-Orlando as a guest and it was an incredible experience but it could never have prepared me for what I experienced in ISS-Mexico. I must admit that shooting this event was not an easy task, especially without my amazing second-shooter (aka: my hubby) but I couldn’t have done it without the help of Karl & Nanette of Luminaire Foto. We had a blast together (you’ll see a bit of the fun in their photobooth at the end of this post) and it was a blessing meeting both of them.
Besides making new friends and sharing unbelievable experiences together, here are some mentionable highlights of my time in Mexico:
-Almost (accidentally) throwing Mike Colon off a lifeguard tower, this one to be exact. (Thanks Austin for the snapshot, priceless memory and thank you Ana, our talented model)
-Preston Bailey complimenting our work and autographing his book with, “Mariana & Khaled, you both have an amazing eye.” Yes, right at that moment life couldn’t get much better.
-Rooming with Krystyn of Bridal Beauty Chicago. I had never met her before and instantly felt like she was family.
-Christopher Confero and Clayton Gray. LOVE them both to the moon and back.
-Opening my dinner invitation on Day 2 to find that it was with Sonny Ganguly…you know, the guy that created Sony. (I guess it’s a bit of an inside joke).
-Working closely with Sandie (Stacie’s mom), Rachel, The Jens and the rest of the crew. They did a phenomenal job and it was such a pleasure.
-Getting to know Ceci Johnson. I met Ceci before in Miami last year and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to chat more with her in Mexico. She’s a big inspiration and I absolutely love her work.
-Tajin Seasoning. Lisi Korn, although we didn’t get to hang out as much as I would have loved, a big thank you for introducing me to the delicious seasoning. I finally found it in Tampa and use it on everything!
-It was hilarious and fun to spend time with Dana Larue and her hubby, Hunter. The monkey showing his ‘affection’ to Hunter was probably one of my favorite memories.
-Riding the van from the airport to the resort with Youngsong Martin and getting to know her and her hubby was a great experience.
-Traveling with my airport pals ❤ Petronella, Eddy and Marilyn, Eileen and her hubby, Brad.
-Meeting Kathy Romero. I can’t describe what a wonderful and inspiring woman she truly is. It’s no wonder why her beautiful face is gracing the cover of the first issue of ISS Magazine. I might even have to create a blog post to feature her and how she’s motivated me in many ways. Kathy…We’re.On.Fire.
There are just too many memories to list, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and share amazing memories with such a wonderful group of top-industry professionals. Wishing 2012 is full of much success and happiness for each of you!
If you haven’t attended yet, I highly recommend you check out and register for one of the upcoming ISS events!
Wanna Lounge
