Micheal Jackson: A Man That Musically Redefined A Generation

Micheal Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

The last two weeks have been filled with the death of the "King of Pop". Despite our different views/opinions of this man; he was a father, brother and son.

Michael Jackson's Thriller was the first LP that I ever had that was not a 45 (showing my age). Like many other little African American girls, I was going to marry MJ one day. I knew the entire routine for the Billy Jean Video and would have to wait until Saturday's to see it played on Solid Gold. Twenty-seven years later that album still sets a benchmark for a generation of music.

Michael Jackson will be laid to rest today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family today.

Here is a great mix from DJ Carl: MJ Tribute Mix

I will say this to close: "I'm Gonna Make A Change, For Once In My Life. It's Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference Gonna Make It Right . . ." (Lyrics from Man In The Mirror)

Until next time,

Kerline

Are you supposed to feed your vendors?

Photo: Courtesy of Kolodny Photography

As an Orlando based event planner, we are always readily available to answer proper etiquette questions for our clients and our vendors. To our amazement, this is one question we will typically address at least once per year: Should you feed your vendor team? Yes & No...

Typically a vendor that requires a vendor meal will include it in their contract. Be very mindful of that as you sign your contract with your vendors. Ask the question if you are uncertain.


Here are the Do's & Don'ts:

1. DO provide a vendor meal for your vendors that will work four (4) hours or more. I will go one step further and say if possible, make it a hot meal or a meal that has substance. It should hopefully include items that will rehydrate and energize the vendor.


2. DO realize that the vendor has been running around, they can't leave your venue for an hour vendor break, they are trying to make sure they capture key moments in your day or keep your guests entertained. They can't run up the street to McDonald's to grab a value meal.


3. DON'T forget to take into consideration what is the best time for your vendors to take a break. Your photographer/videographer will typically take a dinner break once dinner has started. If you have a band, they will have band breaks and more than likely require a vendor meal. Your DJ will more than likely play your dinner music selections during that time and may be able to take a short break. Your guests will also appreciate not having pictures taken of them while they are eating.


4. DO try to give your vendors at least 20 to 30 minutes to take a break.


5. DO try to have your vendors dinner served in a room outside of but near your reception room. We typically try to have one of our coordinating staff remain in the room just in case we do need to move forward with the program.


6. DO realize that this is an extra expense to your budget and should be a part of the budget. Most venues provide a vendor meal at 50% of the cost of your regular meal. Many venues will offer some other alternatives that are less costly. Take the time to speak with your caterer or venue about these options.


7. DO understand if you are serving a buffet meal, having your vendors eat from the buffet is an option, but it is not the best option. Why? Well they would have to wait until all of your guests are served and typically by the end of dinner service, it is time to move forward with your reception itinerary. This is where you would definitely want to look at a boxed lunch or alternative meal for your vendors.

Vendors that typically get a vendor meal: DJ, Videography Team, Photography Team, Lighting Technician that will stay on site the entire time, Coordination Team and the band. The question to ask is will they work more than 4 hours during your ceremony and/or reception. Typically they are the vendors that can't leave once your event has begun.

Vendors that should not require a meal: Transportation/Limo drivers, Officiant (unless they are a guest), Florists, Ceremony musicians, musicians playing for cocktail hour only or any vendor that will not need to be on site during the actual event time for more than 4 hours.

Your event planner/coordinator can definitely give you some great suggestions into planning your vendor meals for your special event. I invite our vendors to share their thoughts and insight on vendor meals.

Until next time,

Kerline

This post was inspired by a great conversation with some of the best wedding professionals in SW Florida, Leila Khalil and Elisa Delgardio during the We Wed Brunch!

We are here...working away!

It has been a few weeks since we've come had an entry in our blog. The weeks have been very busy and we have some great and exciting news to share in the next few weeks! We are mum for now as the details are being finalized.

We also have some photos from our most recent events that we will soon share as soon as we are done selecting our many favorites from the photographer's gallery.

We're working...

Kerline :)

Engagement Shoot: Angel & Dwayne

I am super excited as I write this blog post. This couple like all my couples are very near and dear to me! What is EXTRA SPECIAL about this couple is that the bride is one of my best friends. I met Angel in the 10th grade when I moved to Orlando and between her and my other best friend, we have memories and stories that will last a lifetime. I was elated and overjoyed when Angel gave me a call last November to announce that her and Dwayne were FINALLY getting married. I was truly honored when she asked me to help plan her big day and I must say I am looking forward to the final details as they come together over the next week.

The beautiful couple will be married on Saturday June 6th and they met up with their photographer, Scott Craig last weekend to shoot a few engagement shots for their big day. Dwayne, Angel and Dwayne's daughter Nya took over Park Avenue for a few 'family shots'. This photo is a sneak peak that Scott sent over and I'm happy to post it as Scott is super busy with his many shoots and has not had a chance to upload to his blog.

Monday's Color Inspiration

As an Orlando based Weddings & Events Planner, Joie de Vie Weddings & Events is always looking at the little details when coming up with inspiration as we set out to design any event for our clients. We are super excited as we are starting a new feature on the Joie de Vie Weddings & Events Blog: Monday's Color Inspiration!

Monday's Color Inspiration will be a bi-weekly feature where we show off some of the latest colors for the upcoming season. As we help our clients decide on the color, aesthetic and design elements for their weddings, parties or festive soirees, we thought it would be great to feature some of those concepts for you as you prepare for your wedding or special event.

The new segment will start on June 1st! Keep an eye out for the some traditional, edgy, bohemian and chic options over the next few weeks. We are always thinking outside of the box!

We hope to inspire you...

~Kerline

Wedding Professional Wednesday: Rose Robinson with The Invitation Lounge

Our featured professional for our Wedding Professional Wednesday Series is a phenomenal young woman I met when I first became a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. Rose Robinson with The Invitation Lounge gives stationery that unique touch that makes it EXTRAORDINARY. I am a true lover of paper and I was truly amazed when I got a chance to flip through her portfolio. She thinks outside the box and gives your guests something to look forward to when they open up your wedding Save-the-date or Invitation. I am happy to feature Rose Robinson as our Wedding Professional. She is witty, hilarious, creative and a true professional. I hope this feature gives you a little insight on Rose:

Name: Rose Robinson

Name of your Company: The Invitation Lounge

Location: Orlando, FL & soon to open: Boston, MA

Number of Years in Business: 5

Website: http://www.theinvitationlounge.com/

Blog Address: www.theinvitationlounge.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about your business and the services you offer:
I offer custom designed invitations, programs, menus, etc. to fit their theme and colors of your event. As an extension of my service, I also offer RSVP and seating arrangement service.

How did you get started? I ordered invitations for brides for another Orlando wedding planner. When I was planning my wedding, I created my programs and added an additional touch to my winter wonderland invitations that were mailed in boxes. I received rave reviews and decided to provide invitation design to brides in addition to the popular invitation company lines that I carried.

What professional organizations or networking are you a member of? Association of Bridal Consultants

Furthest place and/or interesting place you’ve travelled to while working on a wedding assignment? I travelled to Boston to create Menus and programs at the last minute.

What are a few suggestions you would make to couples as they are selecting a professional in your service are for their special day? Invitations and/or Save the Dates are the gateway to your event and should depict it’s style. Do not take for granted that people will “throw” away your invite or that invitations cost too much money. If you want to dictate what your guests will expect and how you want them to dress, the invitation is very important.

What are the trends and innovations in your service area?
Pockets, Pockets, Pockets! Bride and grooms like the neatness of pocketed invitations. The popular colors are fuchsia and lime green, pink and brown and blue and brown.

What are your three favorite blogs besides the Joie de Vie blog?
http://www.personallyyourweddingplanners.blogspot.com/ and of course mine!

If you weren't a working in this industry, what field would you be in instead? Why?
Probably in acting! I love writing plays and reading books.

Favorite Reality Show?
There is so many, where do I start?

What show do you Tivo/DVR?
Get Married, Whose Wedding is it Anyway?, Smallville, and Making the Band.

Your special event is as unique as you would like it to be. Stationery is a special touch that when executed properly will cause your guests to look forward to your day with greater anticipation. Contact Rose for an opportunity to set the tone with beautiful papers.

Until next time,

~Kerline