Happy New Year!!

Winter Bridal Accessories!

Put a spark in your winter wedding with these hot accessories:

Though the cold breeze may tickle your toes, peep toe heels are still in for the winter wedding season. Oscar de la Renta (top right) channels the metallic trend of the season with his ‘Jewel –toe platform pump’ while Cole Haan (bottom left) stays clean and romantic with his ‘Ceci air rose sling back’; both available at Neiman Marcus. If you’re looking for something a little more original check out these customizable heels by FeathersandFrills (top left) and NoraKaren’s signature swan shoe (center) on etsy.com. Do you melt for vintage flare? We LOVE these ivory lace shoes featured by VioletFolklore, also on etsy.com.

The snow may take its toll on spring flowers, but what a great excuse to harness a winter pallet for your bridal bouquet. Take a note from Martha Stewart Weddings: get rustic with pine cones (top left), icy with a touch of metallic (bottom left), or feel the warmth of velvet (bottom right). Don’t confine yourself to a traditional red bouquet; try to break up ravishing reds with calla lilies, lavender, or cherry blossoms. Feathers are also a unique way to embody the light airiness of snow and spirits during the winter season.

A faux-fur accent can be the perfect addition to your wintery theme. Consider Linda Gorringe Couture’s wide selection of faux fur available in whites and cream (top left, right, bottom left). For a little volume with your fur try Circle Park Bridal’s faux-fur and tulle stole. If you’re looking for a little drama, consider a fur-lined cape by Princess Bride Tiara LLC. Don’t forget the flower girl! SpaZooie has great options for the little ones. Tie it all together with a mink ring available on Etsy.com by ArtJewleryOnline.

We love this winter’s alternatives for a traditional veil. Make a statement by sporting these stunning headpieces. We adore these marvelous creations by TessaKim available on Etsy.com. They are a one-of-a-kind addition to a glowing bride. Combine chic and vintage with her take on birdcage veils or skip the veil all together with a buzz-worthy headpiece. Want a little pop? Harness your inner Carrie Bradshaw with LovMely’s adorned peacock hair clip (Etsy.com).

These headpieces by Linda Gorringe Couture are nothing less than intricate and elaborate. It may take a certain bride to sport these designs, but if carried well the groom won’t be the only one left breathless.

For more winter bridal accessory ideas, don't forget to contact us at (800) 757-0549 or visit us at http://www.avsevent.com/

Complimentary Colors!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Whether you’re thinking classic, modern, romantic, or trendy for your next event there is a simple tool that can enhance the mood: color. Though there is no precise universal emotional reaction to certain colors, neuroscientists have been using for MRI to study the relation of color and emotion for years. By simply looking at what part of the brain is stimulated by a color we can dive into the deep connection between color and our mood.


Reds – Are probably the most obvious to analyze. Reds represent strong and intense emotions. This characteristic most likely derives from the historical use of red as a symbol of war, danger, and power. In the evolution of décor since then, red has come to represent passion, desire and love. Psychological research has even proven subtle physical effects of red; increase in blood pressure, respiration, and metabolism. What most determines the specific emotional relationship with red is its hue:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsmjr/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

• Pink is often used as a sedative; it evokes femininity, romance, love and passiveness

• A classic or deep red is passionate and sensual, common emotions are desire, longing, and sensitivity

• As red slips into a brown it is directly associated with soil. This earthy color gives comfort, richness, and is known to stimulate appetite

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onstagelighting/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Oranges- scream energy! Orange is an extremely stimulating color. This is proven neurologically; orange increases oxygen supply to the brain which has an invigorating and stimulating effect. This must be a result of its makeup: intense red + happy yellow. People subjected to orange have an increase in enthusiasm and playfulness.

• A warm harvest hue of orange is considered soothing

• As orange becomes gold its strong energy suggests prestige and wealth

Yellows- also energetic but more dominantly associated with joy and optimism. Those subjected to yellow feel warmth and healing qualities. But beware! Yellow should always be used delicately. Research has shown when overexposed to yellow, people naturally become uneasy and anxious. When selecting a hue of yellow experts suggest staying true to hue or a lighter version.

• Pale or pastel yellows are associated with freshness and happiness

• Avoid muted and darker hues, they can cause a sickly and unpleasant feeling

http://www.flickr.com/photos/digiart2001/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Blues- Peaceful, calm and serene. Blues also suggest intelligence and confidence without being too overt. Unlike the warmer colors, blue slows metabolism which attributes to its comforting effect. Blue also gives off a sense of cleanliness and purity.

• Light blues are considered tranquil and soft

• Deep blues feel regal and powerful

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marielaphotography/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Greens- represent nature and growth. Most synonymous with green is fertility. People subjected to green often feel relaxed, natural and healthy. And for most, green is undeniably lucky! ;)

• Earthy greens (like olive green) are traditionally the color of peace. This is perhaps because it is most restful on the eye

• With the combination of blue, teals become refreshing, cooling and therapeutic

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisadragon/ / CC BY 2.0

Purples- the comfort of blue + the spark of red. Purple is synonymous with royalty, luxury, and magic. People exposed to purple often feel reflective, meditative and spiritual. Purple can also be incredibly romantic (perhaps deriving from its feminine feel)

• Light purples feel dreamy, feminine, and tranquil

• Deep/royal purples feel regal and luxurious

Black- is chic, formal, elegant, and essentially speaks for itself. It eludes a sense of mystery but unfortunately is most commonly used depressingly (i.e- death, grief, unluckiness). Selecting black is a commitment but when executed correctly is a unique and memorable choice. Selecting Black as a contrast will guarantee that every color will pop. Want the power of black but still craving color? Try your favorite color in a rich tone.

White- Feels pure, clean, and fresh. White is often used to represent new beginnings (how fitting). An overwhelming majority of people exposed to white have a positive reaction. Using white can portray a modern simplicity or a romantic lightness. White and Ivory are the most used complimentary color in an event pallet. Mix the feel of white with great color in a pastel tone.

Can you top it?

Have an insanely romantic proposal? Did your beau make you giggle when he popped the question? Did you break the mold with your engagement?

À Votre Service Events™ along with AOL wants to hear your story!

For the new AOL series, “Pop the Question,” we are on the search for the most romantic, funny, and unique proposals. Think your story is a winner? Your fiancé take the cake? Contact us at 800-757-0549 or submit your story to the www.avsevent.com contact page.

Filming takes place this Friday December 11 and Saturday December 12 in New York City, NY. Contact us for selection, directions, and further instructions.

Meet Gina, our new Intern

Hello Everyone,

Today, we would like to introduce our new intern, Gina who comes to us with a background in Marketing and Journalism. We have a busy season up ahead and we look forward to her contributions, input, knowledge in continuing our tradition of excellence!

Gina joins our other new team members Gabriela and Michelle.


Welcome Gina :-)

Introducing our Weekly Tip series!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

It has been a long time We have been keeping busy working on holiday parties and preparing for a very exciting 2010 calendar year!

Today is the start of a new weekly series on tips & advice from yours truly, where you can also get answers to your questions. But please do not hesitate to contact us anytime at (800) 757-0549 or send us a note on our contact page at www.avsevent.com .

Today's topic is on Budget Planning/ Analysis: How to estimate a "realistic" wedding budget

In order to determine a "realistic" wedding budget, one of the first areas a couple may want to focus on is revising their guest list/ guest count. In the state of New Jersey or New York, one can expect to spend roughly an average of $100.00 per person, and in most cases, this number does not include tax and gratuity, which depending on the state, and charges can be an additional estimated 25% of the final bill.

With this in mind, for example, with a guest list of 100 at $100 per person, with New Jersey state tax of 7%, plus 18% gratuity, the final bill minus other fees (valet, Maitre D', etc) will be $12,500.00.

Although it is not be advised to spend more than 40% of the wedding budget on reception venue, food, and beverage, from my experience couples spend on average 45%-50% of their wedding budget in this area depending on their guest list, the time of year, and day of the week they choose.

Should you decide to work the other way around, one can use the example above of $100 and up per person to determine how much money they may want to set aside, keeping in mind that the wedding budget is not only the venue, food, and beverage, but photography, videography, entertainment, decor, wedding apparel, accommodation, transportation, favors, etc.

Lastly, to recap, reviewing one's guest's list is an important factor to help determine the overall wedding budget. Should you have a number in mind you would like to work with, determining the price per person you must not exceed can help you stay within your desired wedding budget.

For personal assistance more specific to your unique needs, please contact us at (800) 757-0549.

Happy Planning! :-)

OMG! People Are Talking... About Us!

(Click on image to enlarge and read more, or follow link below to Brett Matthews Photography blog)

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday, I received word that we, at À Votre Service Events™, LLC, were featured on the blog of the prestigious, oh-so-wonderful Brett Matthews Photography. You will find their work gracing the pages of New York Magazine, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Manhattan Bride Magazine to name a few.

We feel truly honored to be recognized by our colleagues in the Wedding industry. Be sure to check out their blog, and don’t forget to check out their exquisite work. Sheri LaMagna is the powerhouse behind this great company. http://blog.brettmatthews.com/

Also, don't forget to let them know you heard of it here.

Katie and Will are Married!

Happy Monday Everyone,

Once again, our proprietary relationship with Mother Nature has paid dividends!! On October 3, 09, the forecast was bleak, the crowd was concerned, there was mutiny in the musical ranks... But the show must go on, and as our bride made her way towards the intimate beach wedding that she dreamed about, the clouds parted, the sky changed from grey to blue, and another beautiful AVS Events wedding is in the books.

Katie and Will were center stage at this beautiful beach wedding on the NJ shoreline. The loving couples' smiles and laughter were on full display for all of their guests. After the ceremony they joined their guests at the al fresca cocktail hour on the boardwalk. The reception was held indoors and the friends and family in attendance danced the night away to the sounds of the live band and singers.

Thank you, thank you again to my wonderful team for another job well done!

(Below are some shots from the Big Day; professional images to come)

Big Texas Wedding, New Jersey Style!

Happy Thursday Everyone,

Once again, I am late with the postings on our blog. As you can imagine, with Wedding season in full swing, we have been quite busy not only taking care of our Brides, but also with bookings for next season.

Anway, I would like to Congratulate our remarkable couple Chelle and Joseph!

Back in January, we were contacted by the groom to assist him and his Bride-to-be with the planning process, and here are today, they are married on September 26, 09! (and yes, once again I found myself planning an entire wedding from long distance; thank goodness for all the wonderful technologies on hand).

Michelle (affectionately known as Chelle) and Joseph are true sweethearts who envisioned a fully immersive day for their friends and family. The ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful historic park in Belleville, NJ. Guests were treated to an intimate ceremony and then feasted at the cocktail hour while being serenaded by a classic musical trio.

In the spacious main ballroom, all invited could dance off the calories and celebrate the newlyweds. Just when you think it couldn't get better, after the reception, guests were invited to the scenic second venue in West Orange, NJ for an afer-party in their authentic wine cellar.

Thank you to my fantastic team who once again ensured seamless excution of this wonderful affair. Below is my one of our pictures from the wedding. (Professional pics to come)

Wedding at Oheka Castle!!

Happy Labor Day!!

This past Friday (8/28), one of our loving couples exchanged their vows in the majestic Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY. Surrounded by family and friends, and sheltered from the rain outside, the ceremony was held inside the chapel located within the spacious castle followed by the reception in the expansive ball room. Adorned in enormous floral arrangements and serenaded by a multitude of musicians, each guest was pulled into the bride and grooms fantasy wedding theme. Along with all of the visual and aural accouterments, there were a plethora of various foods to taste and enjoy from the cocktail-hour hors d'oeuvres to the many desserts on following the reception.

I must thank my oh-so-awesome team once more for a job that was absolute perfection! Thank you.

Below are some of my shots from the event; professional pics to come

Sean & Addie are Married!!!!!!!

Happy Monday Everyone,

This past Saturday, it rained off an on the whole day, however, for our latest clients, the rains abated just long enough for this loving couple to tie the knot at the Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, NJ. Sean and Addie recited their vows in an intimate ceremony that was witnessed by over 150 family and friends.

The wedding reception was held at the newly minted Heldrich Hotel in downtown New Brunswick. The Bride and Groom chose a retro theme for their wedding and the venue obliged with the design of their ballroom utilizing the sharp lines and contrasts inherent in cinema of the 50s and 60s. The Newlyweds and their families all embrace their artistic sides. The bride’s brother serenaded the new couple with an original song and guitar solo and many of the aspects of the décor were original artistic pieces including the customized cake topper and envelope gift box. There were also some custom moves on display on the dance floor as the party went into overtime and the guests couldn’t get enough of the great music and food.

Although, it appeared from the onset that this wedding may have been rained out, it turned out to be one of the most fun and innovative weddings that we have done this year. Congratulations to Addie and Sean!!

Thank you always to my wonderful team for a job well done.

(below are some of our pics from the wedding. Stay tuned for the professional shots)

Staff Sergeant Eldon & Kristin are Married!!!

Happy Monday Everyone,

All though the 4th of July had passed, this beautiful couple saved the real fireworks for their wedding day. In a grand display of old and new, current US Army soldiers were hand in hand with member s of the Rhode Island Militia in celebrating the union of this husband and wife. The wedding reception took place in scenic Rye Brook and featured the ceremonial firing of an authentic cannon supervised by the militia. Surrounded by family and friends, the grey skies parted revealing a beautiful blue sky as the newlyweds exchanged their vows and danced the night away thanks to a great DJ and professional lighting in the main ballroom.

As you can imagine, everyone had a blast. Ingredients for a memorable wedding: Loving family, great food, good music, inviting atmosphere, stunning décor and the union of two sweethearts who have found each other in love and matrimony. The ceremony was conducted at the picturesque Church of the Holy Spirit in Stamford, CT, followed by the reception at the expansive Doral Arrowwood Hotel located in Rye Brook, NY. Enjoy a sneak peek of some the photos I took, but professional pics to come....

A special thank you to my wonderful team for their impeccable attention to detail.

Bonjour Mes Amis.

Tammy and Tony are Married!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to them both!!!

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of coordinating this couple's amazing wedding. Tammy has been planning this spectacular bash for over a year, and it was well worth every effort!

I must say a huge "thank you" to my wonderful team, and thanks to some of the most professional, hard-working, and dedicated vendors who made it all happen.

Below is a sneak peek from the pictures I took of the ceremony at the park, but I can hardly wait to post the professional pictures. Stay tuned.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to stop by to say a quick hello. As you all know with wedding season on its way, we are in the midst of planning many fabulous weddings, which we will feature here soon. Stay tuned for more.

Au revoir, et a bientôt :-)

Hong Kong by way of New Jersey continues...

Hello Everyone,

Now that a few weeks have passed, I would like to look back and revisit the May 2, 2009 wedding of our most wonderful clients, Denise and Henry from Hong Kong. This couple had a traditional Chinese Wedding to including a Tea Ceremony, honoring their elders before their banquet.

First off, I would like to thank the wonderful team of vendors who worked with me to make this day possible. Special thanks to Jorge Garcia (Jorge Garcia Photography), Janice and Mike Celeste (Celeste Studios), and Lisa Miller for the catering service.

For this wedding, we at À Votre Service Events not only took care of coordinating all wedding details, but we also took care of all floral arrangements from the personal flowers to the towing 6-7ft Cherry Blossom centerpieces.

As one will see from the pictures, Jorge is an amazing photographer and just a wonderful talent. I look forward to working with him on many more events. Please visit our website for more photos (http://www.avsevent.com/).