I recently produced a large Destination Wedding for a bride and her fiancé from New York City at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne … we initially spoke via cell phone while she was at the waiting to return to New York … we immediately hit it off because she had time to kill and was excited about the possibilities of the South Florida area … she was originally going to have the wedding at the Westin Diplomat, During our conversation I told her about my past events at the Diplomat, so this made the conversation much easier … while we chatted, I started to realize this bride had a very specific vision and a great sense of humor … I also learned that both she and her fiancé were in very powerful positions on Wall Street.

Since we chatted for such a long time and I began to feel comfortable with her and her sense of humor, I asked about the dynamic of their relationship … she explained that she and her fiancé were together for many years and had a 5 year old son together … she wanted him to be a part of the wedding … he walked her down the aisle in his tiny tuxedo!The largest hurtle with this bride was she wanted to have the Ceremony outside … in June … in South Florida!! I explained South Florida heat was different than New York heat, but she would have it no other way … I finally agreed and said it would be a good idea to have a casual “beachy” dress code … she immediately said NO WAY, let them suffer … she would have her dream wedding ceremony outside and that was that!

In mid planning she changed her mind on the venue! She went into a panic and flew back to town to visit the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne … her fiancé had recently attended a business seminar and said he really liked the property … when they were in town, they came to ME to take the tour and see a Sample Table Set-up … during this meeting, we sharpened the pencil and got a very specific direction and design … she loved our glass stands and brought a picture of a lamp shade she liked … it turned out our Floral Director was having a very difficult time finding large enough lamp shades … the Bride was frantically searching New York city for large lamp shades upon her return … the large ones desired via the internet were way too expensive … so the South Florida Lamp Shade search began … it took weeks, but Charles (Floral Director) came through and finally found a large enough shade!

The Ceremony was held OUTSIDE at the Gazebo on the back lawn with a beautiful view of the ocean … and yes, the guests were not that happy to be outside in full black tie, but the Ceremony was quick … I finally convinced her to have the Cocktail Reception inside so her guests wouldn’t melt … she finally agreed

The Dinner Reception had an all white on white theme … the centerpieces were created with glass stands and the lamp shades … the tops and bottoms of the shades where accented with fresh orchid heads … we draped the entire room with white crushed satin, had white satin linens, white spandex chair covers and chair bands … very simple, yet very chic and hip … a simple elegance with a contemporary touch.

Due to the internet and cell phones, we remained in constant contact with one another during the planning … we became quit close and always ended the conversations with a chuckle about something.

Destination Weddings can be challenging, but covering every detail over and over again through emails, emailed photos and constant communication can put an out of town bride at ease

It was a long day, lots of work, but it turned out flawlessly … the Dinner Reception looked spectacular

I remain in contact with my newly weds and have plans meeting when they are in South Florida and when and if I make it to New York … I had mentioned that I really wanted to see Wicked on Broadway … a couple of weeks after the Wedding I received a very nicely priced Ticket Master Gift Certificate … she mentioned we could all go together and she would take care of dinner and drinks after … she wrote “You gave a 100% on my Wedding … So I’ll show you my New York”

The devil’s in the details with Destination Weddings

Ted Boyd

ME Productions

By Heather Wilson, CSEP

Crafting an event is not an easy project. Every aspect of the event conveys something, including the colors chosen. Even before a guest begins to explore all the elements of an event, an impression is made by the color. Be cautious in choosing colors or your event might send the wrong message. With each color chosen, a company can create a specific meaning for the event identity as well as an orchestrated direction and atmosphere for that event to evolve throughout the evening. If the main color is red, the event will be bold, exciting, sexy, but we’ll get to color meanings in a minute. Let’s start with building the event.

There are many specialty companies like ME Productions dedicated to generating the perfect event atmosphere and energy for both corporate and social events. Our job as event designers is to assist the company in conveying the objective and personality of our client’s company by utilizing color, textures, floral and entertainment to represent the event’s identity. If colors are chosen incorrectly, the message could be muddled and thus confuse the guest. For example, don’t design a bright, cheery yellow and white atmosphere if the client has asked you to convey luxury or seriousness. If you do, the customer might think you are mocking the event message.

Many people inherently associate colors with brands such as red for Coca-Cola or blue for Microsoft. If you are a building an event with a message, as a designer you can make an immediate impression by the colors chosen in the room. Studies have shown from a grocery store audit that a package’s primary color is often used to denote flavor. So when a customer is choosing an unfamiliar brand of salsa or dressing, if the product is spicy, companies, more often than not, choose colors that are warm and bright such as red, orange or yellow to convey those attributes.

Because different colors evoke different feelings for consumers, color choices need to be examined and chosen carefully. The colors described below can be categorized into two basic categories: warm and cold. In general, warm colors, like red and yellow, send an outgoing, energetic message; while cool colors, like blue, are calmer and more reserved. Here is a list of what colors can convey when used in an event atmosphere.

· White implies simplicity, cleanliness and purity and it immediately catches the eye in signage because the human eye sees it as a brilliant color.

· Black is serious, bold, powerful and classic. It creates drama and conveys sophistication.

· Brown conveys simplicity, durability and stability. Certain shades of brown, like terracotta, can convey an upscale look.

· Red actually stimulates your pituitary gland, increasing your heart rate and causing you to breathe more rapidly. Therefore red is more aggressive, energetic, provocative and attention grabbing. However, is can also represent danger, boldness, or urgency.

· Orange evokes exuberance, fun and vitality. With the drama of red plus the cheer of yellow, orange is viewed as gregarious and often childlike. Research indicates its lighter shades appeal to an upscale market.

· Yellow has a strong association with sunshine, happiness or locations associated with beaches or warmth. It communicates optimism and motivates creative thought and energy. The eye sees bright yellows before any other color.

· Pink is associated with girls and more recently a chic personality depending on the intensity of the color hue. Hot pinks convey energy, youthfulness, fun and excitement and are recommended for less expensive or trendy products for women or girls. Dusty pinks appear sentimental. Lighter pinks are more romantic.

· Purple means different or unique in style with flair of glamour. It is a blend of passionate red and tranquil blue so it suggests mystery, sophistication, spirituality and royalty. Lighter versions of the color such as lavender call to mind nostalgia and sentimentality.

· Blue was originally associated with the sky or water, making it associated with natural ingredients that are pure and light. It is also perceived as trustworthy, dependable, and fiscally responsible and secure, which is why many financial institutions use this color.

· Green is associated with all things in nature that are natural, healthy, fresh and serene. However, green’s meaning varies with its many shades. Deeper greens are associated with wealth or prestige, while light greens are calming. It is the hallmark color of vegans and vegetarians and more recently it is the color associated in the “going-green” concepts.

As mentioned above, crafting an event is not an easy project, so be cautious in choosing colors and how the colors will be perceived. Don’t let choosing the wrong color wash-out your colorful event!

What do you do with the largest, hottest resort on the eastern seaboard? You produce an event for 1000 of the worlds leading athletic companies’ representatives.

With this being said we started our four month journey. A program of this magnitude presents challenges right from the start. Everything proposed must accommodate 1000 guests. Off site venues must be large enough, transportation must be adequate and décor had to be plentiful..

Numerous sites and revisions brought us to our final agenda. One week of transfers, and off site dining and a spectacular pool side BBQ on property.

This glorious week had finally arrived and we were ready. The most important element of our preparation was teamwork. Each member of our team had their specific area of the program to handle and concentrated on executing that area. It worked out perfectly and was a compliment to the property structure and client as they operated the same way.

Three teams working together to make this historic event a complete success. The final product was a flawless event that exuded teamwork.

“The service and management was brilliant,” said Sarah Lowin of Nike Europe. “Everything looked beautiful.”

“We could not have done it all without ME’s help,” added Jake Eldridge, Assistant Director of Convention Services for the Fontainebleau Resort.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah clients are always a challenge at ME Productions.

It’s because of our limitless resources and creativity, says Linda Reeder, Social Sales and Event Designer at ME Productions. One big challenge for the ME Productions designers was the Bat Mitzvah of Nicole Ceravolo. “I want each table unique, eclectic and full of surprises at every turn. When my guests enter the room, I want them to feel like they are in a different space and time, not the country club we always go to for special occasions”, said Robin Ceravolo. “Our goal, at ME Productions is not only to meet the expectations of our clients—but to exceed them and exceed them we did”, says Linda Reeder of the Ceravolo Bat Mitzvah which took place in Boca Raton, Florida at the posh Broken Sound Country Club.
Bat Mitzvah guests were first greeted by the entire country club staff dressed in vintage white Tuxedo dinner jackets and black pants while the male DJ, MC and male dancers were outfitted in 1920’s style white Zoot Suits complete with patent leather Spats, complimenting the female dancers who were magnificently costumed as Flappers.
Surrounding the Black and White Parquet Dance Floor was intimate Supper Club seating and several lounge areas where guests could sit, relax and enjoy the fun away from their dinner tables.
“This Bat Mitzvah’s overall concept began with my associate Skip Panse who originated the creative ideas and designs with the client. I then had the opportunity to take Skip’s amazing hand drawn renderings and concept ideas and bring them to life. Skip and the client began the long walk that I had the privilege to run with”, said Reeder.
“The client and I worked with an assortment of decorator linen companies locally and nationally based to create and blend linen ensembles in various shades of burgundy, gold, bronze and hunter green. The flowers were a combination of hybrid varieties of Roses Lilies and Orchids in solid and two tone variegated shades of burgundy, pink, gold and white. Candle holders were incorporated into the designs and varied from bronze and mosaic glass to brass, cut crystal, wrought iron and carved wood designs and a variety of napkin rings were hand selected for their unique touch.
“Tying it all together was our selection of deep Ruby cut-glass Water Goblets which remained on the tables all evening and sat at every place setting. We selected gold plated flatware, gold edged China Charger plates and even used matching gold plated Salt and Pepper shakers leaving no detail undone. The discovery of fabulous Chameleon chairs with cowl backs adorned with rhinestone brooches made it impossible to settle for anything less. “These were the common elements that blended all the various fabrics and textures, making them work together perfectly”, said Reeder
Bat Mitzvah guests were dazzled by the different shaped tables and eclectic table décor as they entered the Broken Sound Country Club ballroom and searched for their assigned seats. Every table held it’s own surprise which generated a lot of excitement from the guests.
ME Productions used some Square tables, one of the latest trends in party design, and set them under sheer Organza Canopies glowing from suspended floral adorned Crystal Chandeliers hovering above the table tops that were lushly decorated with flowers and clusters of stunning candle holders glowing in candle light.
The floral design team at ME Productions interspersed the square tables with round dinner tables which were differently decorated with gold wrought iron stands dripping in strands of cut crystals, coordinating flowers and candles. Older teens enjoyed their night at a large royal table set for eighteen that was raised to bar stool height and surrounded by matching Chameleon bar stools.
Several seating vignettes included deep plush burgundy chaises surrounding rectangle banquet tables raised on velvet covered platforms.
“Guests like to mingle and socialize away from the dinner tables”, says Linda Reeder. “Many of ME Productions parties include lounge seating near the dance floor. At this Bat Mitzvah we surrounded two corners of the black and white dance floor with matching burgundy couches as well as placing several in the teen lounge for their seating.
We brought in a magnificent 16’ custom wood bar for the adult Bat Mitzvah guests that illuminated in an amber gold light with a matching wood wall unit that stood behind the bar where a framed portrait of the Bat Mitzvah girl was highlighted by a pair of Shoenbeck crystal light sconces. Bat Mitzvah guests loved sitting at the bar stools lining the bar.

“We brought in a second matching for the teens where frozen drinks and sodas were served. Another matching wood wall unit stood behind the teen soda bar highlighting a mirror etched with “Club Ceravolo” angled so the teens could see themselves as they sat at one of the barstools lining the bar”. People thought the bars were built-in and a part of the ballroom never realizing they were brought in as functional decor”, says Linda Reeder. “We even brought in a decorative fireplace matching the wood bars, complete with a faux but realistic burning fire behind a fireplace screen with flickering candles on the mantle highlighting another gold framed portrait of Nicole Ceravolo, the Bat Mitzvah girl. People thought it was the real deal. They could not stop talking”, said Linda Reeder. At every turn ME Productions outdid themselves!

Most people get married once. I’ve married so many times, I’ve lost count. 300? 400? 500 times? I have no fear of commitment. It’s not just my career – it’s my life. I’m not the bride but I’m equally committed as an event and wedding designer and that’s what makes each wedding personal. Special. Flawless. Spectacular! A reality driven by the vision of the bride, groom and their families.

Weddings: you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong!
Wedding trends are constantly changing. Last year, less was more. This year, more is more - and it’s all about creating a visually stimulating environment. Consider changing your color schemes throughout the course of your event to avoid being desensitized to your environment. For example, an all white ceremony incorporating a multitude of candlelight with an elegant string quartet can precede a simple yet elegant cocktail reception with a pale pink palate. Then, energize your guests when they enter the dinner reception with dynamic deep burgundy hues. A visually stimulating atmosphere coupled with an excellent professional live band or DJ will inspire your guests to keep the dance floor jam-packed all night long.

The days of stuffy formal receptions are over!
Lounge vignettes strategically placed within the reception space will encourage guests to mingle and can add a contemporary club-like feel to your reception. Consider foregoing the venue’s stock rolling bars and add customized internally lit bars. Lighting that changes color in slow progression throughout the evening can give your event even more dimension. Long gone are the days when guests leave before, or immediately after, the cake is cut.

The elephant in the room: the economy
Everyone is looking to save money these days so it is crucial to know where you can save and where you can’t afford to skimp. Remember, you often get what you pay for and if you’re not careful, saving a few dollars can cost you a lot of heartache and a lot more money in the future. Be sure you are dealing with reputable vendors who are responsive to your needs. Hiring a wedding professional is just as important as any other major investment you will make in your life. This person will be responsible for transforming your dreams to reality and they have one shot to get it right on the big day. You will also be dealing with this person or company for up to a year or more so make sure you click with them and they have a solid understanding of your needs, budget and vision.

You will find better value with a full service wedding design and production company like ME Productions because not only will your wedding specialist have full control over all of the elements (based on your wishes) and quality of product, they can offer valuable advice and recommendations so you can rest assured that your event will flow smoothly from the planning stage to set up to clean up - leaving nothing left for you to do on your most important day but listen for your musical queue… take a deep breath… and move forward toward the next exciting chapter of your life.

Quote of the Day:
“When you meet someone who can cook and do housework–don’t hesitate a minute–marry him” ~unknown