SHAWN RABIDEAU EVENTS & DESIGN NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2012

Shawn Rabideau Events & Design is excited to announce that we have been selected as a 2012 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot magazine and Weddings from The Knot, www.theknot.com, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides. This is the second year in a row that we have been voted the winner for The Knot Best of Weddings.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. From New York florists and Seattle bridal salons to DC makeup artists, engaged couples will find detailed feedback on local wedding businesses reviewed by thousands of newlyweds who had great things to say.

Avoid Wedding Stress - Workout financial matters up front!

Money makes the world go around and its always the bone of contention when planning any part of a wedding…

 Clients often ask what is the first order of business when it comes to planning a wedding? My response is always the same, "what's your budget"? How much do you want to spend? Who is paying for what? Or for that matter who is paying for who? Answer these questions and you can move forward with the planning process.


But what if you simply can't bear the burden of paying for everything? Let's face it with everyone is tightening their belts and sitting on their wallets. My advice is to sit down with everyone involved in the wedding planning process and lay it all out on the table. Who is paying for what and what are they willing to spend. If all parties involved are up front and lay their expectations out from the beginning then it will avoid, hurt feelings, resentment, and even jealousy down the road. And by everyone I mean the bride, groom, parents of the bride and parents of groom. Unconventional yes…honest, absolutely!

 This is just skimming the surface of what is often a larger issue; however, if the lines of communication stay open then it will make the planning process much less stressful.


Until next time –



Cheers!

Destination Weddings - Jade Mountain and Anse Chastenet

As I mentioned last week, I think Winter is the perfect time to share some of my favorite locations for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons. 

Last week I had the pleasure of getting out of the cold temps here in New York City and exchanging them for warmer ones in Saint Lucia. This trip wasn't for pleasure, but rather business as I have a client getting married there in the Spring.

The flight from New York City was fairly easy; only 5 hours direct on Jet Blue. If going this way I would recommend spending the extra money to get the "more room" seating. You have priority boarding and you have more leg room, both a plus when flying. And because you're traveling over international waters the movies are free! Pretty much a win, win if you ask me!

Upon landing in Saint Lucia I was quickly welcomed with the warm breeze and sunshine - my heart skipped a beat and I knew I would fall in love, if not for the weather, but for the nice people that greeted me on my way to customs.

After clearing customs my hour ride was not one for the faint of heart…winding roads that would make the most avid rollercoaster lover turn green. But alas, upon my arrival to Jade Mountain and Anse Chastenet I heard the breaking waves and saw the most pristine waters I've ever experienced!

My Major Domo, Vito (or Butler) quickly showed me my room which has the most amazing views of the Piton's; who wouldn't mind waking up to these every morning?!

Each room is unique and different…no cookie cutters here! Most have an open floor plan and all overlook the Pitons. The rooms above mine all have infinity pools and the fourth "wall" is actually the outdoors. That's right; each room is wide open to the elements. Now have no fear…Bugs are attracted to me like girls are to Justin Beiber and I am happy to report I left Saint Lucia with no bug bites, which is due largely to the elements and the Caribbean breezes. But if you are fearful of bites, each bed is equipped with its own mosquito netting.

Each room has fantastic amenities, with Molton Brown Soap, amazing showers, and hot tub. However, guys if you are on your honeymoon during the playoffs you'll have to rely on your smart phone to tell you the score…there are no TV's or Radios to speak off. The experience is meant to bring you back to nature and appreciate the scenery around you, not be bogged down with work, game scores or phone calls from your parents to see how your trip is going. Further, if you are on your honeymoon…I would hope you aren't worried about the game, but rather "enjoying your time" with your new bride!

After getting my orientation I made my way up the 168 stairs to the Celestial Terrace to catch the most spectacular sunset I've ever seen! With a glass of champagne and amazing hors d' oeuvres I enjoyed watching the sun set over what would be my first night at Jade Mountain.

After a great night's sleep, and waking up to the sunrise over the Pitons, I was excited to see the property to learn more of just what St. Lucia had to offer my client. During your first morning at Jade Mountain it’s highly recommended that all new arrivals take the hour long orientation tour of the property. It may seem tedious at first, but trust me, you get a clear history of how and why Anse Chasenet and Jade Mountain came to be. Since the age of 26 founder, architect and visionary Nick Troubetzkoy has put his blood sweat and tears into what has become the Caribbean's top 5 Star Resort. Having met his wife Karoline you get a sense for the passion they have, and this passion truly is steeped into each and every person that works at the resort!

The best part of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastenet is you can easily everything they have to offer from scuba, to snorkeling to a walk into the Caribbean's only "drive in volcano" where you can actually drive or walk into what was once an active volcano. But don't be mistaken, you get a sense and smell for the power this volcano once had as the sulfur springs are very much alive.

From there you are taken to the sulfur springs and the botanical garden where you can get a sense of the flowers and fauna of the Caribbean. Or you can take a hike up the pitons to see the beauty of the Island …the activities are endless. Or if you want to sit and relax you can do that too.

The resort is perfect for those planning a destination wedding, those celebrating their honeymoon or for those that want to celebrate many happy years of marriage. Whatever the occasion I highly recommend you visit Anse Chasetnet and Jade Mountain.


Until next time -


Cheers!

Honeymoon Destinations - Londolozi

While we are now in the middle of winter with the cold and snow setting in, I thought it would be a good time to share my favorite Honeymoon and destination wedding locations.  I know many couples are looking into Honeymoon options for their 2012 weddings and, given all of the amazing destinations, it's always good to hear about some really special places.


The first destination I want to share with you is an amazing private game reserve in South Africa.  Last May I had an opportunity to visit Londolozi and it was an experience I can never forget.  I know you might be thinking "A game reserve for a Honeymoon" but trust me, the excitement of the safari, combined with spectacular scenery, impeccable service and wonderful cuisine make it the perfect Honeymoon destination.  To top it off, the private villas add a special romantic touch and the staff goes out of their way to create the perfect setting.

The surprises and attention to detail are not just at the lodge but throughout the game reserve.  Just imagine our group's surprise one evening as we were coming back from Safari only to stop at a pond filled with hippos and be greeted by a bar stocked with a selection of our favorite vodkas.

Of course, no safari would be complete without the wildlife, and in that regard Londolozi does not dissappoint.  Situated in the Kruger National Park, Londolozi is known for its Rhinos, Leopards and Lions.  You can actually follow the lives of these animals on the Londolozi Blog.  Seeing all of the amazing animals in their natural habitat is an experience like no other.  It truly gives you a new appreciation for nature.

Needless to say, there are many reasons to visit South Africa and after spending time at Londolozi I agree it is certainly one of them.  If you are planning your Honeymoon, or any special trip, definitely add this to your list.

Here's to happy travels and:


Cheers!


Shawn

Nutty Hot Choc-tail Recipe

With the holidays now a memory, and the temperature rapidly dropping, I thought this would be a good time to re-post my favorite hot chocolate recipe.  It is a great way to keep warm on a cold winter day.  Enjoy!

 

Follow the recipe to your favorite hot chocolate mix (I use Godiva, 8 oz). Add 1 1/2 oz Vanilla Stoli vodka, 1 1/2 oz Frangelico, dash Cayenne Pepper. Pour into mugs and top with whip cream. Enjoy by a crackling fire. 

 

Until next time, cheers!

 

Shawn

Tammy and Val's Central Park Wedding

As 2011 comes to a close I was reviewing my blog posts and noticed that there are so many great weddings and events with wonderful clients that have not yet been shared on the blog.  It is time to fix this and I want to start with an amazing couple whose wedding took place last September.

I love planning weddings where the Bride and Groom come from very different backgrounds.  The challenge of combining cultures is one I happily accept because the result is always a beautiful and unique experience for the couple and their guests.  The wedding of Tammy and Val, that took place at the Boathouse in Central Park, was such a challenge with Tammy being from South Africa and Val being from Bulgaria.  I had so much fun planning the wedding with Tammy and her mother Patsy.

The wedding day got off to a great start with Tammy, her mother, sister and bridesmaids getting ready in their Suite at the Plaza Hotel.  As always, Stacey Lyn and her staff at Once Upon a Bride did an amazing job on Tammy's hair and make-up.

Of course, Central Park is the setting for many a fairytale New York Wedding and it certainly did not disappoint for Tammy and Val.  The beautiful weather and lush greenery created the perfect backdrop for their wedding.

Tammy was absolutely stunning in her Vera Wang gown.  The simple black sash and a bouquet of white ranunculus and anenomes with black centers added the perfect touch, maintaining the beautiful, classic look Tammy wanted.  A simple white orchid was used for Val's boutonniere to coordinate with the Bride's bouquet.

 

Simplicity and elegance were the key words in designing the ceremony and reception for Tammy and Val.  The ceremony took place in the main room of the Central Park Boathouse.  Glass vases filled with white Cymbidium Orchids and topped by a floating candle lined the aisle.  The Chuppa was also simple and elegant.  White satin fabric was tied in the corners with a black ribbon to coordinate with the Brides's dress.  The corners were then accented with simple white Phalaenopsis Orchids

Following the Ceremony guests were escorted to the outdoor patio for a lovely cocktail reception while my staff quickly worked to turn the main Ballroom into a fantasy setting for Tammy and Val's reception.  The room looked spectacular with each table having a glass cylinder bursting with Bamboo.  The centerpieces were then accented with white orchids, anenomes, antherium, roses and calla lilies.  We were fortunate to have everything captured on film by Lindsay Flanagan Photography and also to have the video services of Steve Young Productions.

 

Continuing with the simple elegance theme, Elizabeth Hodes designed a classic wedding cake with a black band around each layer and anenomes with black centers on the corners, all tying into the Bride's dress and bouquet.

 

Of course, no wedding is complete without great entertainment.  For their wedding, Tammy and Val chose to use "Synergy" from On the Move Entertainment.  By combining a DJ with live performers, Synergy really gets the crowd going and this wedding was no exception.   The happy couple and their guests danced the night away and everyone had an amazing time.  

Of course, the true measure of any events' success is the happiness of the couple and their guests.  Judging by the happiness on the face of Tammy's proud Father, I would say this was a job well done.

Best to Tammy and Val and to all of you for a great New Year!

Cheers,

Shawn

Repurposing Holiday Decor for New Year's Entertaining

I had the honor of appearing on FOX News Live online today and it was so much fun interacting with Jonathan…he really gets into the segments and makes them so much fun!

Today's segment was all about repurposing your holiday décor for New Years entertaining.  With everyone's crazy schedules and tighter wallets who wants to spend the time or money decorating twice during the holiday season?

Therefore I have a few tips to help you change and spruce up your décor for your New Years Eve party!

First - start with the invite:

FineStationary.com has some amazing invites and if you haven't sent out those holiday greeting cards yet take a look at their site.  They have hundreds of amazingly affordable cards, invites, gifts and more!

Here we have a bright and festive invite that counts you down to New Years and the placemat that can be monogrammed with your initials all from FineStationary.com.  These simple touches can go a long way when decorating for the holidays and the best part is the placemat can be reused for other holidays!

I don't know about you, but when I decorate for the holiday I want my décor to reflect both holidays and a great way to do this is to take a wreath (I purchased it from 1-800-Flowers.com) and transition it from Christmas to New Years.  I removed the Tartan ribbon, gold drums and berries and added my own silver and white ornaments I had left over from last year.  I then took baby's breath in clusters and added that to the wreath for a wintery feel.  With left over ribbon from gifts I received, I added an accent for hanging and voila I quickly, easily and with little money repurposed the wreath for New Years!  It's that easy!

I always have people asking for new and inventive ways to decorate…I took a variety of mismatched glasses from my cabinets and created candle holders.  And to add a little texture and "bling" I used my left over Christmas cookie decorating beads and sugar in the bottom of each glass.  Again, it's simple and easy and super budget friendly!

 

And finally instead of the typical red cosmo I used a white cosmo with silver sanding sugar.  It's different and fun and your guests will appreciate it!

Remember when entertaining this holiday is doesn't have to be stressful or complicated.  Keep it simple…create a list and a budget and you should do just fine.

Merry and Happy Everything!

Shawn

PS:  To see the full clip on Fox News click on the following link.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1315007527001/