Although it has been a while – we’re back!  The busy season has just finally come to a halt, and updating this blog is at the top of our to-do list.  Some very exciting news to announce – Orchid Events will be offering DAY-OF PRIVATE EVENT COORDINATION for any and all special events in Tallahassee, Quincy, Crawfordville and surrounding areas!  This exclusive offer is available starting TODAY!  Services include, but are not limited to…

- Two, 30 minute sessions in person so we can get to know you and the vision for your event.
- Unlimited contact via e-mail and phone.
- Coordination for the day-of your event for up to 5 hours (see coordinator for pricing beyond 5 hours).

Please contact us @ jessicamcal@gmail.com for further information!

After many long hours of working with the wonderful ladies at AWPC, planning everything from the menu to the centerpieces to the audio-visual needs, we finally got to October 9th, 2008!  The tables were unbelievable, the food was phenomenal (thanks, once again, to the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center!) and the staff were cordial and accommodating. 

A Women’s Pregnancy Center offers some wonderful services to women (and men) in the Big Bend Area.  All of their services are 100% confidential, and they mostly deal with unplanned pregnancies.   If you or a loved one is looking for someone to talk to about their options on an unplanned pregnancy, please visit their web-site for more information: http://www.awpc.cc/

Although I didn’t want to get involved in all the political drama going on these days, I can’t help but speak out about the recent proposition that passed in California last week banning gay marriage. 

A few years from now, probably less than 10, it will seem utterly obsurd to take this right away from any American citizen.  Just as ludacris as it seems to you that blacks were once not allowed to sit in the front of the bus, or jews being shunned for their religion – I guarantee you this is just as ridiculous and uncalled for.

America –  lets open our minds, our hearts, and our eyes to this disturbing issue. 

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-prop813-2008nov13,0,7887437.story

Alright guys, it’s time to “Head ‘EM Up and Move ‘Em On Out” for the Tallahassee Society of Association Executives 2008 Education Day and Trade Show!  The show will be held at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center on October 15, 2008, and will feature speakers, workshops, and booths for guests to visit to network and learn more about the companies being represented.  There will be food, fun, prizes, and giveaways. 

From the TSAE Web-Site:

“The Tallahassee Society of Association Executives provides its more than 800 association and vendor members information, resources, educational opportunities, and networking opportunities. Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida  TSAE’s membership includes individuals who manage and work for trade and professional associations and charitable organizations; and companies, business and indivudials that provide products and services to associations.”

I think all of us event coordinators and planners could benefit from the seminars TSAE has set up for us. Please visit the TSAE web-site at http://tallysae.affiniscape.com/ for more information, or to sign up to attend!

On Saturday, September 27th, I had the sheer pleasure of helping out with a great event – the first CD release of “The Adam Cambria Project” at Paradigm in Tallahassee, FL.  The event was crazy successful – the band was KILLIN’, the drinks were flowin’, and the crowd danced the night away.  I won’t have a full weekend off of work in a while, so I really tried to enjoy myself as much as possible. 

If you’re interested in hearing Adam Cambria’s music, or buying any of the tunes, you can visit this website: www.rhapsody.com/adamcabria/firstsong or www.iTunes.comto preview and purchase songs.  Let me assure you, it’s some of the most refreshing and brilliant music you will ever hear.  Adam wrote and recorded all of his own tunes, so let’s all show him some support!  His CD entitled “First Song” from The Adam Cambria Project — and you better hurry, you will definitely want to be one of the first to hear this great band and his phenomenal musicianship.  Good luck, Adam!

www.adamcambria.com
myspace.com/adamcambria
cdbaby.com/cd/adamcambria

With October right around the corner, I’ll have a lot of new things to blog about.  Keep an eye out for great upcoming events, concerts, and my very favorite – more wedding advice from yours truly.

Thanks for all the support!  Mad love.

I’m a big fan of supporting people who are following their dreams and doing what they love.  There’s nothing better than finding a photographer, hairstylist, or make up artist that is incredibly passionate about what they do.  These people do it for the love of the work…they love working with people and have had to build their businesses from the ground up.  I admire these folks, and I hope one day I’ll have the means (read: money!) to follow the dreams of my own.

KALLIMA PHOTOGRAPHY by Rebekah Hood
West Palm Beach, FL
Contact: kallimaphotography@yahoo.com
Web-Site: www.kallimaphotography.wordpress.com

Rebekah and I became friends when we met in college and sharing the same major. I started following Rebekah in her endeavours as soon as she put a web-site up showcasing her beautiful photography. I was blown away (as I’m sure anyone would be) at her amazing talent and ability to capture a creative uniqueness with every client she photographed. I highly recommend Rebekah, not only as a fantastic person, but as an extremely professional and hard-working individual who is truly PASSIONATE. Thanks to Rebekah for these wonderful samples of her work.

ARTISAN SALON founded by Cheryl Moody and Pamela Musgrove
1305 N Paul Russel Road, Tallahassee, FL
Web-Site: www.artisansalonandspa.com

I heard about Artisan Salon and Spa at a luncheon I attended about a year ago. I had just moved to the city, and I really needed a great salon with equally great prices and friendly staff. Although I’m sure that’s what every salon aims to do, I can truly say that Artisan follows through. I have never had a bad experience with any one of their stylists, and I have seen 4 different ones so far. The salon is small and perfect for a relaxing Saturday spent pampering and primping. They also offer bridal packages, so check out their web-site for more information.

James Ray will be hosting his FREE seminar at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center on Tuesday, July 29, 2008.   See his web-site @ http://jamesray.com/events/free-seminars.php

Registration: 6:00 PM
Doors: 6:40 PM
Seminar: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

One Saturday afternoon, while I was snug in my pj’s and reading a good book, my boss calls me in a panic explaining that she had been in an accident and needed me to cover her wedding for her.  The only catch was – it was to begin in 30 minutes!  I got dressed as fast as I could, and headed straight to work.  I arrived just in the knick of time – guests were being seated and the bride was ready to go!

I checked in with the wedding coordinator for the bride and groom, did a quick walk-through of the ceremony room, and checked on the status of the reception room.  The ceremony went off without a hitch, but much to the guests surprise, we were forced to kick them out of the room so we could do a very quick one-hour turnover.  We turned half of the room into the other half of the reception room – with a partition now open connection the two rooms.  Let me tell you…it was utter CHAOS!  But we have a fantastic staff, and they were ready to accommodate this group with ease. 

My clients or not, I am ecstatic I was able to be part of such a wonderful gathering of guests.  Not to mention, I ran into one of my old collegues, Beth Snook, who happened to be one of the bridesmaids.  Hi Beth!   

Enjoy the pictures…this was one of the more finely decorated weddings we’ve had.

Tashunda contacted me a few months ago needing a venue for her wedding ceremony and reception.  I have only had a ceremony take place under my coordination one time at the venue I work for, so I was genuinely excited to start the planning with her.

The ceremony was small and perfect – about 50 guests attended.  The reception had a bit more guests, about 75, and this group knows how to party!  I had a fantastic time.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wilson!