Miami Wedding Planner Blog » Music We Love

Historia de un Amor

Nathalie Cadet-James — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:30:43 +0000

My childhood Saturday mornings included sounds of Eydie Gormé y Los Panchos loudly playing, me asking my mom for apple pancakes and my father nearby reading the paper (occasionally belting out parts of the canción). Wonderful memories and a wonderful introduction to the beauty of music. I loved Bolero because I could feel what they were singing, even if I didn’t understand the words. Then when I learned Spanish, I was like, “dang, that’s some serious heartache” or “dang, that’s some deep love.” I would not be surprised if these love songs planted the wedding planner seed in me. And all that time they thought they were grooming a mini-Matlock. Ha ha.

P.S. Maya Angelou once told me that “good music is good music, irrespective of the genre or language, because it’s from the heart and we have the same heart.” Wise woman. Anyhow, gotta run. Time to make some pancakes for my family and play my Eydie Gormé y Los Panchos album. Miss you dearly Dad.

Inspired By: Bob Marley

Nathalie Cadet-James — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:30:56 +0000

Inspired by the genius that is Bob Marley. I could give you one million reasons why Bob Marley’s Turn Your Lights Down Low is one of the greatest love songs EVER. Lots of people probably had babies off of this track. Um, yeah, I’m pretty sure …

For your listening (and viewing) pleasure:

This is Love: The Wedding Proposal

Nathalie Cadet-James — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:30:28 +0000

Let me apologize in advance to all the guys I will make look really bad in this post. This is one of the best proposals EVER. First, a little background. I got an inquiry from N in Dubai. He was dating the girl of his dreams, was planning to propose to her in September in Barcelona, but since they would happen to be in Miami soon, “could I meet with them?” Fast forward a few days later and N calls again – - he would be proposing while in Miami the night before our meeting. S, his fiance to be, was not in favor of meeting a wedding planner before actually being engaged!

People, this put a huge smile on my face. It’s not everyday a wedding planner has a heads up on a proposal. I knew we had to capture “the moment.” So secret agents, here was N’s plan (and the man thought of everything). He would arrange a his and her spa treatment at the amazing Spa at Viceroy Miami. The undercover photographer, none other than Stacey of Ambrosio Photography along with Viceroy Spa Management, would inform the couple that she was shooting general shots of the Spa and its patrons for a publication and that they should basically ignore her. In fact, Stacey was pretty much out of sight the entire time. After the treatment, N would invite her to dine where he secretly arranged a private dinner for two on the 50th floor of Viceroy Miami at the fantabulous Club 50, with a menu prepared with S’s favorite dishes. Yes. He. Did.

Little did S know our genius photographer secretly mounted a camera under a table to strategically capture “the moment.” Honestly, tell me another photographer who can take these pictures without being in the room. That’s why I love you Stace!

Fast forward again to “the moment.” Candlelights filled Club 50. Her favorite flowers were perfectly poised. Her favorite song swayed in the air as N and S danced in a circle of rose petals. As their song came to an end, N rubbed his stomach to signal to their private waiter to bring over the mini silver plate cover, which hid the engagement ring. Then the visibly nervous N, went down on bended knee and asked S for her hand in marriage. Pause. It’s actually hard to believe that S had no idea all of this was being documented because so amazing are the pictures that tell this story:

I know you want to see more amazing pics, so here they are set to Sade’s “By Your Side.” While chatting with S about their relationship, she told me she knew N would always be by her side. This is love.

P.S. Kudos to Viceroy Miami who orchestrated everything beautifully! And on a side note, how ridiculously gorgeous is this couple?

Urban Prettiness

Nathalie Cadet-James — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:30:45 +0000

Mirrors + Pink Peonies + a Loft Space = URBAN PRETTINESS. Remember our Some Pretty Inspiration Pictures post? Let’s just say it really brought out the girly girl in us when we sat down to concept and design for this photo shoot. We dreamed of something as light as air, something glamourous yet raw and something just plain ole’ pretty. To help us tell this urban love story, we called on our friends at Ambrosio Photography, Nuage Designs and Modani. There is nothing like working with the best of the best, and when you see these pictures you’ll understand why. A lot more details to follow, but in the meanwhile, we are thrilled to share the pictures.

* Slideshow music: Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor by Vladimir Ashkenazy.

Design and Styling: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Florals: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio; Photography: Ambrosio Photography, Location: The Nuage Studio, Couture Linens and Furniture: Nuage Designs, Lighting and Mirrors: Modani Furniture; Styling Assistant: Sarah Cherres.

Spice of Love Wedding

Nathalie Cadet-James — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:01:28 +0000

Miami CBS4 Reporter and Weekend Anchor Natalia Zea had just moved to Miami, when a good friend convinced her to go a reggae party at a private mansion. Natalia and Leonard did the whole “shy-eye exchange” thing before she surprisingly introduced herself. “We shared one dance – and that was it,” she jokingly recalls. Nearly three years later, that thing called “it” led them to the altar at a breathtaking ceremony overlooking Miami’s Biscayne Bay. The trendy venue, Viceroy Miami, served as the perfect backdrop.

In honor of Leonard’s heritage and in keeping with Natalia’s spirit, the couple opted for a simple, yet chic wedding with subtle Indian nuances. Remember our inspiration board for this wedding [click here]? Yep. Something bright. Something fun. Something HAUTE. Couples like Natalia and Leonard make it so easy to love what we do. We can’t wait to go over all the details of this “Love is the Spice of Life” wedding. In the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy our photo slideshow set to my latest jam, Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh.”

P.S. Natalia and Leonard, we are so honored to have been a part of your celebration of love. Your family and friends could not have been any sweeter and boy do they know how to PARTAY!

Planning: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Design and Florals: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Bouquet: Everafter Flowers, Ceremony and Reception Venue: Viceroy Miami, DJ: Shannon Powell of Liquid DJs, Featured photographs taken by Nathalie A. Cadet-James unless otherwise noted as David Sutta Photography. David was Natalia and Leonard’s photographer and did beautiful job capturing their day: [Click here] to see more of his photographs from their wedding day.

All Aboard! The Wedding Pictures

Nathalie Cadet-James — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:30:04 +0000

We knew we were in for something special when our clients Pearl Baker and Marcus Katz told us what they envisioned for their celebration of love: they wanted to be surrounded by the ocean with fresh breeze in abundance (Necker Island is one of their favorite getaways). Pearl, the sweetest person you will ever meet, orchestrated a stunning wedding onboard the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship, along with help of the uber-talented planner Renee Coon of The Travel Team Inc., and Katie of The Wedding Experience. The majestic Ship actually stopped and rotated for all to enjoy the golden sunset ceremony. And somehow in the middle of the dark ocean, an awesome display of fireworks filled the midnight skies. Close friend and Florida Gator Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel was their officiant – but don’t get it twisted, Pearl and Marcus are die hard Georgia Bulldog fans! It was truly a lovely affair with every single guest dancing the night away under the Ship’s sky observatory lounge. All aboard indeed…

And here are some additional pictures set to the beautiful song, I Think, I Love by Jamie Cullom:

Photography: The Celebrity Solstice, Planning: Renee Coon of The Travel Team, Inc., Event Design: The Wedding Experience, Custom Furniture: JC Bash, Cake: Ana Paz, Shoes: Guiseppe Zanotti and Manolo Blanik, Dress: Maggie Sotero, Officiant: Danny Wuerffel.

Jersey Boys at LIV Nightclub in Fontainebleau Hotel

Nathalie Cadet-James — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:00:23 +0000

You know you are a lucky wedding planner when your client tells you she’s having the Jersey Boys perform at her welcome cocktail party. Yeah, that’s pretty cool. Our bride and groom, Pearl Baker and Marcus Katz, wanted to kick off their platinum wedding celebration with a huge surprise for their closest friends and family: a fabulous party featuring a musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with the Jersey Boys straight from NYC. It was A-W-E-S-O-M-E. These guys had everyone singing and dancing to smash hits like Sherri and Can’t Take My Eye Off You. It was sheer entertainment in one of the hottest nightclubs in the country, LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau Hotel. And if you think this welcome party was hot, wait till you see the pictures from their beautiful wedding. Hint: All Aboard. We’ll be posting them soon!

P.S. I really miss Lauryn Hill. Remember her all time classic remake of “Can’t Take My Eye Off You” . . . Such feel good music:

Wonderland. The Groom

Nathalie Cadet-James — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:01:06 +0000

Gentlemen, why not funk it up just a little? Our Alice in Wonderland groom is wearing a vintage tuxedo with a modern fit from the incredibly talented Alexander Nash, a custom tailor. And yes, our model Ralph, is that hot guy from Beyonce’s Baby Boy video and the lead singer of the amazing band Mawon. If you have an opportunity to see them – you must! It’s like world music with the soul of the islands.

Location: Pinecrest Gardens, Florals, Design and Styling: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Photography: Ambrosio Photography Groom’s Vintage Suit, Alexander Nash, Model: Ralph Cassagnol

Wonderland. The Pictures

Nathalie Cadet-James — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:23:03 +0000

I can’t get over how amazing our Wedding in Wonderland concept was captured. Stacey and Craig of Ambrosio Photography really knocked it out of the park. Every single element, from the stunningly chic invitation suite, to the magical cake, her romantic gown, the beautiful accessories, the whimsical linens, the lush location, the artful food – all of it – just amazing. In the next few weeks we will chat with the super-talented folks who helped us create our Wedding in Wonderland. No doubt you will be inspired for your special day! That old saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words” rings so true here, so without further ado . . .

Location: Pinecrest Gardens, Florals, Design and Styling: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Photography: Ambrosio Photography Dress: Rivini from Chic Parisien, Headpiece, Earrings, Purse and Bracelet: Maria Elena Headpieces, Couture Paper Suite: Lindsey Luxa of Dragonfly Custom Design, Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, Cake: Dominique Beckers of We Take the Cake, Catering: Shiraz Events, Couture Linen and Furniture: Nuage Designs, Hair and Make-Up Artist: Justin Cessac, Groom’s Vintage Suit, Alexander Nash, Models: Serena Minott and Ralph Cassagnol; Styling Assistant: Maria Roa-Warnant

*Slideshow Song: The Shadow of Your Smile, Amiel Larrieux

Luxe Fête Wedding Featured in Weddings Illustrated Magazine!

Nathalie Cadet-James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:32:15 +0000

Hot off the press! Weddings Illustrated Spring 2010 premiere edition! We are so delighted to see one of our weddings featured in this lovely magazine from the publishers of Palm Beach Illustrated. Take a look at the Vintage Chic Beachfront Wedding of NHL player Dennis Seidenberg and his beautiful bride Rebecca Trainer, captured beautifully by Heather Funk.

We always approach the planning and decor process as a collaborative effort with our couples. After learning about Rebecca and Dennis’ story we were able to create renderings that captured the mood and details of their dream wedding.

Their destination wedding was inspired by a beautiful Maria Elena Vintage Heirloom Headpiece. Rebecca fell in love with it before she even purchased her gorgeous Amsale dress. Each piece is meticulously adorned with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, high-grade Japanese pearls and other semi-precious stones.

Rebecca and Dennis over looking the Atlantic on their Balcony at the One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa – breathtaking views.

Their ceremony was so sweet and intimate. Rebecca walked down the aisle to a BEAUTIFUL German song, Symphonie by Silbermond. It was such a dramatic and stunning entrance.

For the decor, we mixed natural and organic elements with a bit of vintage glam, like heirloom brooches and Swarovski crystals.

Rebecca and Dennis, thanks for allowing us be a part of this amazing day! You have such a beautiful family.

We worked with these wonderful vendors to bring Rebecca and Dennis’ dream wedding to life: Photography: Heather Funk, Venue: One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa, Event Planning: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Decor and Florals: Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, Make-Up: Judith Prince, Hair: Jenny Bowen, Videography: Well Spun Wedding Films, Cake: We Take the Cake