A Michele Butler Events real wedding – Diana & Kyle

Allow me to share another amazing event with truly the most adorable couple.  Diana and Kyle make being in love and being made for each other look easy.  I adore them.  I loved working with them on each and every aspect of this wedding.  It was so much fun.  Mostly because Diana really had no idea what she wanted or what she needed to do.  She was destined to work with an event planner and I’m so fortunate that she chose me.

Saturday, October 17th 2009

Location: Lake Nona Country Club, Cherie Jones

Officiant: Reverend Luther Kistler

Formal Wear: Absolutely Fitting

Hair & Makeup: Patrick & Stephanie

Decor: The one and the only Lee Forrest Design

Rentals: Kirby Rental, Brett Walters

Ceremony Music: Christine MacPhail

Reception Entertainment: The BuzzCatz with the ever so talented Ricky Sylvia

Photography: Ginger Midgett

Wedding Cake: Anna Cakes

And the gorgeous photos courtesy of the talented Ginger Midgett.  Thanks Ginger for really helping to show how beautiful this wedding was.

Diana dress

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana ceremony arrangements

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana profile

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana dad

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana dad walking in

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana kyle

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana golf

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana centerpieces

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana program

www.gingermidgett.com

Diana golfcart

www.gingermidgett.com

2009 Michele Butler Events Favorite Wedding Ideas and Trends from A to Z, N is for nu visions in photography

Ah, one of my favorites indeed.  Curt and Stephanie from nu visions in photography.  You knew N would be nu visions.  Love them as people and their talent is just amazing.  They are two of the most talented photographers and coolest characters that I know.  They recently won at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention.  This is the 3rd year in a row that they’ve won.  So, what better time to share their talent with you.

And now a little bit about what makes Curt and Stephanie at nu visions tick.  See below for my interview with Stephanie and Curt.

Where are you located?

Our Studio is located at 27 East Pine Street – Downtown Orlando We also open our Studio on Friday and Saturday evenings as a wine bar!

Do you travel?

Yes…we love to travel wherever our weddings take us!

Where have you traveled for weddings?

Last year we shot a wedding in a small village in Italy on the Adriatic Sea….We have also shot weddings in Cabo San Lucas, California, Colorado and New York, with upcoming weddings in the Bahamas, North Carolina, Indiana and possibly India!!

How did you get started?

Curt began his photography career in 1995 as a travel photographer, which in turn, evolved to people photography, fashion and weddings. I came on board with nu visions nearly 5 years ago to handle the business/marketing side of things. Once Curt taught me the technical side of photography – I was off and running and we have been shooting weddings together as a team for the past 3 years!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Our inspiration comes from everywhere!! Other photographers, fashion magazines, artists, – you name it! Curt’s favorite lighting in the studio is Rembrandt Lighting (think of the famous painter) – it’s amazing if you look at paintings from generations ago – the way the artists captured the light using only  a paint brush and a canvas – very inspiring!

What’s your favorite part of the wedding day?

I know I can speak for both of us when I say that we love the moment the bride walks down the aisle. Curt and I both love the expressions and emotions from both the bride and groom at that very moment. There is nothing better than watching the groom’s face as he sees his future wife walking towards him!! Along with that, our favorite time to photograph is directly after the ceremony when the bride and groom are together for the first time. The hugs, kisses, emotions…they are all so real!

What’s your favorite movie?

Curt’s favorite movie is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and mine is a toss up – I love Notting Hill, The Devil Wears Prada and Serendipity

If you could give brides one piece of advice, what would it be?

When it comes to photography – just be yourself. Try not to be “camera aware” on your wedding day. We are constantly on the look out for connections between you and your family, friends and new husband. The less aware you are of us, the more “real” your photographs will feel when you look at them long after your wedding day is over.

And now, the award winning photos,

Curt’s is called Words of Wisdom – he got 1st place in Wedding Photojournalism, Best in Show for Weddings and the Kodak Gallery Award with this print.

curt-wordsofwisdom-low

Stephanie’s photos are The Proud Father – 3rd place in Wedding Photojournalism and The Gondolier – 1st place in Environmental Portraits.

steph-proudfather-low

steph-thegondolier-low

And some additional photos from the talented photographers, Curt & Stephanie.

steph 1

steph 3

steph 7

steph 8

steph 9

steph6

steph 2

steph 4

steph 5

Kristen Alley and Kevin Floyd – a wedding recap video to share

And now a video that truly means a lot to me to share.  Kristen is my former assistant and a dear friend, almost like a sister.  I loved everything about this wedding, because there was so much love involved in the entire day. Jeffrey Stoner outdid himself once again with this recap.  Enjoy!

The vendors involved with this wedding were,

Venue, Park Lake Presbyterian & Hard Rock Live

Decor, Flowers of Winter Park

Photography, Sunshine Photographics

Video, Jeffrey Stoner Video

Cake, Anna Cakes

Hair & Makeup, Marjorie Robinson

Entertainment, The Buzzcatz

Michele Butler Events Fab Five Trends for July!

Happy Summer Blog Readers!

Is it as hot where you are as it is in Florida?  Wow!  Not sure when the sun moved closer to us.  :-)

On to the task at hand.  I wanted to present my fab five trends for the month of July.

Number 1, Feature fun activities at your event.  Such as ping pong, video games or even arts and crafts.  One of my current faves here in the Orlando area is the Flipbook.  We in the event industry really enjoyed doing this and give it a big thumbs up.

Number 2, It is so hot!  Most everywhere in the country.  If you must have a wedding outdoors during this time of year, then please do provide parasols and fans for your guests.  However, my best suggestion to you is NOT to have a wedding outdoors between May 15th and September 15th.  Thanks to Sunshine Photographics and Photography by Michael for the following images.

fan umbrella collage

Number 3, Custom invitations, programs, menu cards etc.  The sky is the limit.  It’s your event, so be sure to personalize it with your own flair.  Check out a few of my favorite custom designers. The first grouping is from 2U Collection and the second by Dragon Fly.

Morelli collage

Lindsay collage

Number 4,  P90X  Work Out Videos, of course.  What a great exercise program for a bride getting in shape for her wedding.  It takes just 90 days to get through and while it is pretty intense, it is also lots of fun.  I’m having a great time toning with it.  Can’t wait to see the difference in 90 days.  I think I’ll reward myself with a cute strapless dress.

P90X

Number 5, Bright, rainbow bright colors.  They are all the rage this season.  Bring on the color and brighten up your event.  Thanks to Sunshine Photographics, Photography by Michael and Limelight for the following photos.

bright collage

Girls road trip discovers New Orleans

I recently returned from a road trip with two of my best girlfriends, Stephanie and Kristy.  We made it a point to take a few fun stops along the way.  New Orleans being one of the best.  I had been to New Orleans a few times before, but not since Katrina and like everybody else wondered if it was still the same city.  Yes, I can tell you that New Orleans is alive and well and still full of art and fun.  And all of the interesting characters are still there.  That’s one of the things that makes New Orleans so fabulous.

bourbon

Stephanie Rounds www.nuvisionsinphotography.com

music man

Stephanie Rounds www.nuvisionsinphotography.com

pictures

Stephanie Rounds www.nuvisionsinphotography.com

street

Stephanie Rounds www.nuvisionsinphotography.com

I thought it might be fun to spotlight the great Big Easy city and what I believe to be some of the best parts of it.  I think it would be so much fun to have a wedding in New Orleans.  You really can’t beat the hospitality of the locals.  They are amazing.

We stayed at the Westin New Orleans Canal Place and this would be a great venue for a traditional ballroom wedding and of course a great place for your guests to stay.

Westin

River room at Westing

Of course we ventured to the famous Cafe du Monde for beignets and if you’ve followed my twitter or facebook at all, you know that I fell in love with a beignet.  Over and over actually.  A total of 3 stops there for beignets in a 24 hour period.  Wow!

We really walked and walked through the french quarter looking for that perfect bar to have a cold beverage at.  We went in to so many of them, but finally found the perfect one.  Touche! This was the locals bar and we loved it and them.  We met our good friends Lindsey, Rene, Phil and Leslie there.  We even got to venture into an apartment in the french quarter.  And we landed at a most delicious restaurant, Muriels.  Each and every bite of food at this perfect N’awlins restaurant was more delicious than the last.  We even tried Turtle Soup.  This would be a perfect venue for a reception or rehearsal dinner.  The service was true southern hospitality.

girls

touche

Stephanie Rounds www.nuvisionsinphotography.com

signcouple

Muriels on Jackson Square

Lounge

Our morning adventure included a trip to the well recommended Petunias.  Boy does New Orleans know how to make a Bloody Mary.  They were perfectly mouth watering at this wonderful little eatery that also has space for events.  Perhaps a brunch or shower?  I loved the eggs benedict with the fried eggplant, broiled tomato and grits.  Why is it that the grits are always better in the true south.  Yum!!

Petunias

dining room

I’m afraid that our trip was quick and definitely not long enough.  But, we loved you New Orleans and we will be talking about our fun in the city for sometime to come.  It was not planned out and we just went on a whim.  It was just perfect and we can’t wait to go back again.  Perhaps for the Mardi Gras celebration.

2009 Michele Butler Events Favorite Wedding Ideas and Vendors from A to Z, M is for Michael Schuhmann

And continuing my favorite wedding trends and vendors from A to Z.  We come to M, which is for Michael Schuhmann.  Michael is such a talented artist and a great guy on top of that.  Making him a perfect choice for brides looking for something different when it comes to their events.

Come along and get to know Michael.  Here’s a photo of him.  He’s a cutie!

michael pic

And below, please find some Q&A with Michael.

Where are you located?  Tampa

Do you travel?  Time travel….yes

Where have you traveled for weddings?  Hamptons, Miami, Bahamas, Charleston SC, Ct. Denver, Italy, Cabo all over Fl.

How did you get started?  I was involved in the martial arts and competing in tournaments. I started to borrow my fathers 110 instamatic camera trying to document the karate tournaments. Eventually my father bought me a real camera, and the rest is history.

Where do you get your inspiration?  That becomes harder and harder to find. I have a large collection of fine-art photography books.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding day?  Cake

What’s your best wedding story?  Just before the ceremony started at this large outdoor wedding, a guest came up to me and told me that I had slit my pants. Had to shoot the ceremony and the family groups before I was able to get some duct tape, ouch! (take note: bring extra clothing to weddings).

What in your opinion is the coolest trend right now with weddings?  photo/video montages

If you could give brides one piece of advice, what would it be?  Spend as much money as you can on photography!!

What is one thing that you want everybody to know about you?  I love Pad Thai.

Do you have any pets?  Must have dog, big dog, yellow lab.

What is the best color combo for weddings?  Whatever the bride wants.

What are your favorite blogs/websites?  Well, that’s a moving target. It’s always changing. This is beautiful: http://www.ashesandsnow.org/.

What does the future hold for you?  no idea

What do you do in your spare time?  Drink wine.

And now for some amazing images!  This first one is my absolute fave!!

michael 1

Michael 2

michael 3

michael 4

michael 5

michael 6

michael 7

michael 8

michael 9

michael 10

michael 11

michael 12

michael 13


Wedding Impressions – A bridal showcase

Last month I produced a wedding show at the Estate House at Cypress Grove. It was a huge success and an amazing experience. Thanks to Curt and Stephanie from nu visions in photography for the opportunity. As well, I couldn’t have pulled it off without a wonderful team. Thank you to Josh and Louise from the Estate House and Carly, Lisa and Gledys from Michele Butler Events for all of your help.

And a huge thank you to Brandi from Central Florida Bride for handling the registration for our event.

Here a few photos from Curt and Stephanie from nu visions in photography.

wedding show 1

wedding show 2

Also, I wanted to share a video that the talented Mr. Jeffrey Stoner from Jeffrey Stoner Video put together for us. Thanks Jeffrey as always for your art and your devoted support of my new venture.

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who participated and went above and beyond.  Amazing food, drinks, music, invitations and vendors.  It was a true pleasure.
The Estate House at Cypress Grove
nu visions in photography
Arthur’s Catering
Puff n Stuff Catering
Creative Cuisine
Lee James Floral Design
Flowers of Winter Park
Flourish Productions
Fairbanks Florist
Kaleidoscope
Reverend Luther Kistler
Flowers by Lesley
Beautiful Music
BBJ Linen
Barfly Catering
Studio Image, hair and makeup
Absolutely Fitting, formalwear
Junction 88, DJ
Reverend Glynn Ferguson
Jeff Scott, musician and DJ
Pro One Video
Nelson’s Tent Rental
Christine MacPhail, harpist
Belladonna, cake
Party Flavors, cake
2U Collection, fabulous job on our invitations and event program
A Sweet Tea Memory, tea parties
Design by Sandi, jewelry
Anna Cakes
Buzzcatz, amazing band!
Cupcake Crazy, cake
Fabrication Events, draping
Dragonfly, invitations
Weddings Only (Brian Scott), DJ
Reverend Jimmy Johnson
Coles Classic Cars

We look forward to hosting another Wedding Impressions bridal showcase in October. Stay tuned for more details!

Michele’s Fab Five Trends for April 2009

Happy! Happy!  Spring has sprung.

And I too am back on track with my blogging.  Goodness gracious, I’m so sorry to have forsaken you.  Launching a new business takes lots and lots of time.  And I have wonderful clients to take care of a well.  I am so fortunate for that.

But, on to the business at hand.  I wish to present my Fab Five Trends for April of 2009.  Ooooo, how fun.  I do so love researching what’s hot!

Number 1,  Hollywood Glam style wedding gowns.  A throwback to the glitz and glamour days.  Some of the most beautiful ones are being shown on the runway by:

Reem Acra

Monique Lhuiller

Pepe Botella

pepe-botella-bridalgown5

Jenny Packham

jenny-packham-bridal20

Number 2,   Spice up your boutonnieres.  Adorn them with jewels, metal and feathers.  I have to say that I think my creative floral design friends really went above and beyond with my request for unusual boutonnieres.  Love them and I have many to share.  Thanks to Jay with Flowers of Winter Park, Lana with Fairbanks Florist and Lee Forrest and his team of designers, Mitzi Waller and Danielle Castaneda.

Flowers of Winter Park

Flowers of Winter Park

Flowers of Winter Park

Flowers of Winter Park

Fairbanks Florist - photo by Art Faulkner

Fairbanks Florist - photo by Art Faulkner

Fairbanks Florist - photo by Art Faulkner

Fairbanks Florist - photo by Art Faulkner

lee-forrest-bouts3

Number 3,   Scentevents.  Choose the scent of your event.  Help launch your event vision with a smell.

scentevents

Number 4,   Awesome gift ideas for your wedding party.

Waterproof IPOD speakers

ipod-speakers1

Bodum

Cocktail shaker

cocktail-shaker

Lambskin gloves

Pashmina

pashmina

Number 5, Patterns are on the runway, so why not at your wedding.  Black and white, my favorite of course.  But all types of patterns and colors.

le-jardin-damon-use

Damon Tucci

The following paper products were provided by Amy Morelli from 2u Collection.  And photographed by Liga Photography.

pattern invite 1

Liga Photography

Liga Photography

Liga Photography

Bridal Consultant Shower presented by Unique Option

unique-option1

Paper and Pens and Folders, oh my.  A shower for me?

I am honored and so appreciative that Awny, Michelle and Zulkeira and the great team at Unique Option have chosen to include me in the first bonding event at their new location.

It will be great fun.  So, grab your business cards and some collateral and stop by to say hi!

I am so lucky to have such a great support system out in the industry and appreciate all of your referrals.

Many thanks and I hope to see you at this fabulous event!  Here’s what the invite says,

Unique Option

Invites you to…
A Bridal Consultant Shower
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
4pm- 7pm
Come join us for tea as we honor our friend and colleague,
Michele Butler from Michele Butler Events
This marks the 1st of our bonding events in our new facility at:
9603 Satellite Blvd. Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32837
Please RSVP by Monday, May 4th to michelle@unique-option.com
This co-ed event will be the talk of the town, make sure you’re here!

http://www.unique-option.com/

A Very Special Wedding – Kristen & Kevin

Ah, this wedding really is so special to me.  Kristen is just the most amazing person.  So adorable.  She remains the best office assistant that I’ve ever had and the little sister that I never had.  And is the man she married worthy?  Yes, indeed.  He’s just as sweet as she is.

Their wedding day was truly magical and so heartfelt.  I definitely shed some tears during the day.  Kristen took all of her event and wedding planning knowledge and really designed an amazing wedding.  Ah, what some time in the event industry can do for you.

A who’s who of Kristen’s wedding:

Ceremony, Park Lake Presbyterian Church

Reception, Hard Rock Live

Cake, Anna Cakes

Photographer, Derek Smith with Sunshine Photographics

Videographer, Jeffrey Stoner Video

Entertainment, The Buzzcatz

Decor, Flowers of Winter Park

Hair & Makeup, Marjorie Robinson, 407-375-1345

Gown, The Collection

And now, the photos of this beautiful wedding and cool reception:

krke-0053

Finally, the day is here!

These are some good looking guys.

These are some good looking guys.

Ah, an actual picture of the infamous Jeffrey Stoner hard at work.

Ah, an actual picture of the infamous Jeffrey Stoner with a silly face.

I was not watching this for fear of bawling my head off.

I was not watching this for fear of bawling my head off.

Something well worth waiting for.

Something well worth waiting for.

One of my all time favorite pictures from any wedding.  Great job Derek!

One of my all time favorite pictures from any wedding. Great job Derek!

A wonderful staple of any wedding.  Do your thing Ricky!

A wonderful staple of any wedding. Do your thing Ricky!

Now, that's a funky cool reception.

Now, that's a funky cool reception.

Just the best couple.

Just the best couple.

Oh Mommy, don't cry.  You haven't lost a daughter, you've gained another son.

Oh Mommy, don't cry. You haven't lost a daughter, you've gained another son.

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Dance! Dance! Dance!

It's over.  Already?

It's over. Already?