Tuesday, November 9, 2010

We have moved to www.avsevent.com/blog

Hello Wonderful Readers!

We excited to announce that our blog has moved! We welcome you to our new home, located at: www.avsevent.com/blog

You will be able to read / refer to all old posts and as well as new ones to come. Be sure to leave some comments, suggestions, etc.

Please update your bookmarks and don't forget to subscribe to our new blog so that you may continue to receive updates, as this will be our last post at this address.

Below is a screenshot of our fabulous new blog! Again, it's www.avsevent.com/blog

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Softer Side of New York City

In case you missed this year's Sarah Jassir presentation during Bridal Week, we at À Votre Service Events™, had front row seats and have brought you a sample to whet your appetite! With ultra modern lines, the gowns embody femininity with dream inspired fabrics, subtle but fanciful adornments and magical details!

Thinking of living vicariously through a certain fictional NYC writer and her 3 friends on your special day (a la "Sex in the City")? The Sarantina line by Sarah Jassir is the vogue to follow. Stay tuned and follow our blog for all the latest wedding and event trends.
(We thank our friends over at Sarah Jassir for having us, and we look forward to doing it again soon)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

On deck: À Votre Service Events™!!

As your single source for all events planning needs, we work to stay on top of the hottest venues around. Today we toured the stunning New Yankee Stadium located in the Bronx. With our exclusive backstage pass, we can assure you that there is lot more going on here than just baseball. Looking for a stimulating environment for your next board meeting? Looking to host a banquet or award dinner for a deserving individual or team in a one of a kind venue? Tired of going to the local restaurant for that holiday party? Are you and your betrothed huge baseball fans and looking to tie the knot with the famous Yankee facade in your pictures? Or maybe a proud parent who wants to celebrate your child's birthday or Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the one place none of their friends have been before? Yes, you can do all of that at the stadium, and we can make it happen for you.

The stadium is packed with amenities for all types of events and we can customize a package for you that secures any portion of the venue or the entire stadium for your event.



Thursday, October 28, 2010

It's Engagement Season Again!

The time when that special person in your life decides that somewhere between the turkey and the pumpkin pie, right in the midst of
surreptitiously holding in your tummy, would be the PERFECT time to take a knee and hand you that velvet covered box. You know the box...the one that contains the symbol of promise and love and Happily Ever After?

OK, ladies stop reading now and hand the computer over to your honey...

Gentlemen, turn off the PS3, the XBox, and put down the remote! Focus! So you are thinking of proposing and you know you have to start with the ring (well technically you have to start with the girl, but you get the point). There are several things you need to know before investing in a diamond. Known as the the 4 C's of diamonds, you'll need to bear in mind the following:

Cut: which is the actual cutting, shaping and polishing of the stone to allow the maximum amount of light and brilliancy to be reflected and dispersed through the gem.

Color: this can range from colorless to light yellow. The Geological Institute of America's (GIA) scale begins at D (colorless) and ends with Z (light yellow).

Clarity: this is the amount and location of any flaws, blemishes or inclusions within the stone. This scale begins with FI and runs the gamut to I3. Any inclusion can change or prevent optimal light from passing through the stone making it look less brilliant or at worst gray, and cloudy.

Carat weight: a metric carat is defined as 1/5 of a gram and in round cut diamonds, can usually be calculated by the diameter and depth of the stone. 1 carat is divided into 100 "points" which is another term your jeweler may use to describe your diamond's weight.

So now you know what to think about when choosing that perfect diamond. Shop around, ask questions and do a lot of research. Of course the shape and setting of your diamond is also extremely important and since you know your bride-to-be almost better than anyone else, keep in mind her preferences and style. Remember, she will more than likely be wearing this promise of your commitment for the rest of her life!

Above are some examples to get you started. Happy Shopping!
Be sure to contact us at À Votre Service Events™ to help you plan the perfect proposal!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

"Another satisfied customer"

Happy Sunday wonderful Readers!

Every now and then we get something in the mail that reminds us once again why we love what we do, and why we are so passionate about it. We received a Thank You note from Jiji and Jonas (you may remember this lovely couple's beautiful, intimate wedding back in early September). And the note reads:

"Hi Danielle,
How are you? We want to say thank you once again. You and your team did a great job in organizing our wedding. Everything was in order and it all went smoothly. We do believe that we would not have had that wonderful wedding without your assistance. We really appreciate what you have done. Thank you.
-Jiji and Jonas"

Photo credit: Tiffany Atlas Photography

Friday, October 15, 2010

Bright Lights, Big City

What do you get when you add a loving bride and groom, great homemade Mexican food, a beautiful October Saturday night, and the top two floors of a skyscraper penthouse? Another wonderful À Votre Service Events™ affair! Julie and Chris were married on the terrace before their family and friends surrounded by flowers and serenaded by a classical trio. After the ceremony, the couple led their guests down to the reception area where a local restaurant prepared delicious Mexican fare to order, along with fresh made guacamole. With full bellies, the guests returned to the top floor that had been transformed into an underwater themed private night club. With the Empire State Building in the background, all in attendance partied the night away in celebration of the newest couple in Manhattan.

Congratulations to our gorgeous bride Julie and Chris!

Thank you once again to my fantastic team at À Votre Service Events™!



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Something old, Something new...


With the Hudson River as a backdrop, the Bride, wearing her mother’s gown, and Groom were married in scenic upstate NY. An Uncle performed a timeless colonial ceremony that left not a dry eye in attendance. Cocktail hour was held outdoors by the pool with roughly 170 guests lounging on the patio furniture and enjoying cocktails served by the staff. As the sun set in the distance, the wedding party moved to the custom three tiered tent that housed the dinner reception,and catering facilities. The guests partied through the night and were even serenaded by the bride and groom singing some of the final songs of the evening.
This was a weekend affair to remember!

Congratulations to wonderful Christine and Joseph!!!

Thank you À Votre Service Events™ team for a superb job.

And now for some fun…











Monday, September 27, 2010

La Grande Fête!!!

How do you transform a ceremony space for nearly 400 guests into a Caribbean themed reception hall in less than 60 minutes? Hire À Votre Service Events™, that's how! As the wedding ceremony took place, just next door the team was preparing 36 tables and decor for 400 guests to be held in the same space. The bride was radiant as she made her way down the aisle to her beaming groom.

As the newlyweds made their recessional leading the wedding party, and guests to cocktail hour, we worked to transform the ballroom for the reception all within one hour's time.

When the guests returned to the ballroom after cocktail hour, they were immersed in a Caribbean hideaway complete with tables adorned with banana leaves, and named after Haitian and Jamaican cities. The Bride and Groom were led into the ballroom by a dance troupe, but the couple showed off their own dance moves once they reached the center of the dance floor. Later in the evening, the bride's father, a famous Caribbean musician, serenaded the happy couple and guests. In lieu of standard wedding favors, the Bride, a doctor who had volunteered in the earthquake aftermath in Haiti, along with the Groom made a donation to the relief effort.

Congratulations Tamara and Marlon!!!

Thank you to my wonderful team at À Votre Service Events™ for a job well done.

and now, check out the before...

after...


Saturday, September 25, 2010

My Big Fabulous Greek Wedding!

In following the traditions of their fore fathers, the betrothed were married in a traditional Greek church surrounded by their friends and family. The Bride, wearing an EXQUISITE gown, and Groom were married by two Priests and a Koumbari who performed the Betrothal Ring and Crown ceremonies.

After sharing the Common Cup and Koufeta, the wedding party moved from the Church to the Castle for cocktail hour and reception. In a grand ballroom adorned with both the wedding cake and a special cake made by a family elder, the couple was serenaded by a Greek band who performed classic songs as well as modern hits. The money dance showered the new couple with well wishes while the guests danced in concentric circles around them. After dinner and dessert, the party continued with an after-party in a separate alcove in the castle.

Congratulations Merope and Davin!

Thank you to my team for another successful event.







Wednesday, September 15, 2010

À Votre Service Events™ stormed the Castle!

...Oheka Castle that is!

Once again, we had an absolute blast at the magnificent Oheka Castle! Tonight's bridal show was like no other! Congratulations to all the brides and grooms-to-be who came out to make this a fabulous event!

A special "thank you" to the wonderful team at Oheka, including the owner, who always make us feel welcome at this magnificent property, and who is always accommodating!

A huge thank you our to colleagues in the industry who are so generous in sharing their products with us.

And now for some fun, check out our tablescape designed for the show... I am simply loving the idea of black, white, and red this season! Enjoy :-)



Thursday, September 9, 2010

CALLING ALL BRIDES!!!

Next Wednesday (9/15/10), À Votre Service Events™ will be a participating vendor at Oheka Castle Bridal Show! Be sure to stop by our table, as we will be giving away some amazing gifts.

To purchase tickets visit Oheka's website at
www.oheka.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A Work of Art

Under a canopy of bamboo, Levee anxiously awaited the first glimpse of his bride to be on their wedding day. Although the ceremony was still a few hours away, they wanted to take their pictures ahead of time while the light was still good. As Nneka walked up behind her groom-to-be the bridal party buzzed with anticipation. When the moment arrived, the groom nearly fell over in the beauty of his bride. Nneka was a vision in her gown!

This was the just the beginning of their special day. The ceremony was literally held within a work of art, on a stage adorned with statues that oversaw the union of these two lovers. As the sun set, guests were treated to a lavish reception indoors honoring the couple's shared African heritage. Kola nuts were passed, elders gave speeches, and the women engaged in a ceremonial dance meant to bless the marriage with good fortune and many children. All in attendance enjoyed and wished the couple well as they embarked on their new life together.

Congratulations Nneka and Levee!!!

Many thanks to my team for a wonderful job. Special thanks to Tahlie for working tirelessly to ensure each event is seamless!