Carina and I met (and immediately clicked) in August 2009, when Luxe Events had just officially launched. Since then, we had the opportunity to collaborate on many weddings and events. We quickly realized that, not only did we really enjoy working together, we both brought different strengths to the table. Our skill sets provided a nice balance for our work and it was because of our combined resources and industry connections that our events were more successful and, ultimately, our brides were happier. A business merge became our next logical step. We truly believe that together and as a unified company, we can offer brides so much more than we can individually. Our focus continues to be – and will always be – the service we provide our brides. This will only be magnified as we continue to work together to educate and support our current and future brides.

Here’s a little taste of my interview with Carina…

C: How did you become a wedding planner?

M: “The truth is I’ve always been a wedding planner. Since I was little, I was always fascinated with weddings, the food, the décor, the gowns and the cakes. I was always reading wedding magazines. When I got married I had a clear vision of what I wanted for my wedding but I didn’t know how to get it. While I had help from family and friends, I did not have a professional wedding planner to guide me through the process and give me the resources I so desperately needed. So, I got married but was not completely happy with my wedding. It wasn’t until the same year in 2004, while watching David Tutera’s “Party Planner,” that I saw someone doing exactly what I wanted to do – and had been doing for family, friends and organizations for many years! It was at that moment I decided to pursue a career in event planning. I did and haven’t looked back since!”

C: What makes you different from all the other wedding planners?

M: “My heart goes out to brides. It is such a critical and emotional point in your life. Not only are you making a decision to connect yourself with someone for the rest of your life, you are probably spending the most time and money you have ever spent on one day. But in order to have it be perfect you have to trust and rely on so many other people to make it all happen. Only you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want. I am an excellent listener and you will be amazed at my patience. My job is to see your vision as clearly as you do, to advocate for you, help you, remind you of the most important things throughout the process and to help each of your vendors see your vision as well so that we can make it a reality. That’s how I make the magic happen.”

To learn more about Carina and Luxe Events visit our site.

So you may be wondering how we get these events to look so spectacular. Where do we come up with these innovative ideas and how do we translate it into something cohesive and absolutely gorgeous darling.
1) Come up with your design scheme, theme or feel. This sounds difficult but let’s make it simple. Are u planning a wedding do you want people to kick off their shoes and have a great time or do you want them to feel like they are walking into something formal and grande, do you want them to feel like they are home. Decide whether it be intimate, grand, modern, different. Just decide and think about yourself and what you enjoy and pull out everything that makes you happy or expresses you.
2) Pick your colors. Don’t be boxed in by the season if you like navy blue and it’s summer time pair it with a bright color. Don’t fight against the season or venue work with it. If you are planning a formal event look for a venue that is formal otherwise you’ll spend tons on trying to transform the venue into something else.
3) Keep your eyes open for pictures and textures, ribbon, paper, look in design books, stores and find things that inspire you and fit into what you like. Don’t buy everything you see but consider it in the scheme of everything. I am inspired by dessert.
4) Grab all of your ideas and make a design board. In all the elements of your party think of ways to carry out the feel and or theme. Be careful not to overkill themes, trust me it can happen. Trust yourself and in the end know if something didn’t turn out the way you like there is always next time.
5) If this all seems like to much for you and I know it can be hire a professional! We are here. Smooches!!!

I sat down to chat with Real Body Bootcamp Personal Trainer/Psychotherapist (perfect for whipping your body and mind into shape, right?)and asked a few questions about Bootcamp. As you prepare for the most important day of your life you want to look and feel your best. We have all had that experience at least once in our lives after working out. The endorphins are flowing you feel clear minded, energized and confident because you know you did something your body needs and your body is thanking by giving you the energy you need and making you crave more. Well, I thought it would be fantastic to get the inside scoop on losing that extra weight, building muscle and ultimately confidence so you can feel your best on your wedding day. This is some really great information and I hope it helps you, because I know Bernie can!

M: At Without A Hitch we help brides with wedding details but our primary goal is to help them to have a memorable time throughout the planning process. A major part of that includes them taking care of themselves mentally and physically. You being a psychotherapist and a personal trainer what can you offer brides in your boot camps to help them reach their weight loss goals and ultimately look hot in that dress?

B: As a psychotherapist/Personal Trainer, part of the process is to really get to know and understand what the Brides are trying to achieve. Everyone has their own unique vision of what they want for the big moment and how they want to appear. I listen very carefully and try to place myself in their shoes. I help them create a list of goals they want to accomplish, specifically with regards to health and wellness. If they want to focus on toned arms I create a workout that specifically targets this area. If they want to lose weight I coach them to make better food choices, shop with them and help them create meals plans. If they are stressed and need to unload we can sit and have a cup a coffee and talk about how to manage life’s demands a little better.The overall goal is to help support her goals and make her look and feel stunning in that dress and she will.

M: Wedding planning is a full time job. Most brides are working full time and/ or are in school. This means they are always on the run. Are there any tips you can give a bride on eating and snacking even on the go?

B: I know how life’s demands can interfere with getting the important daily nutritional needs, therefore I recommend to always keep healthy snacks available, like nuts, bananas, apples or a small yogurt and water. Try to snack on these to avoid getting into starvation mode. If you’re at the point where you’re extremely hungry the tendency is to make the wrong choices, like caffeine or sweets. If you get into the habit of carrying these foods your metabolism will always stay balanced and help you keep your weight down.This is a great service for brides because most of them want to at least lose a few pounds, why is the best way to do it through a boot camp.

M: This is a great service for brides because most of them want to at least lose a few pounds before their wedding day. Why do you feel that bootcamp is the best way to do it?

B: As a therapist/trainer I’ve learned through experience that the hardest part of sticking with a routine is motivation or the lack there of. With Bootcamp you get that extra push and support you need to help you lose the weight. You will not reach a weightloss plateau because of the program we created and you will even burn calories even at rest. There are circuits, Zumba, hula hoops, boxing, agility training and more. The brain and body never knows what to expect this causes your to burn more calories and see rapid results.

M: Most people claim they have no time to work out due to a hectic schedule. If she absolutely can’t find any time what can she do to feel energized and ready to tackle her day?

B: I would encourage a person who has a busy schedule to fit in at least some kind of exercise whether it’s walking at lunch, hula hooping while watching tv biking etc. Make exercise fun not a chore. Bring a yoga mat to the office, try a sun salutation or 10 minute ab series with push ups. Just 10 minutes will help you feel energized and perhaps wanting more each day. It will help with your concentration, improve stamina and set the tone for the day.

M: How does your bootcamp cater to the bride who may want to tone up or lose a few pounds?

B: For Brides who want to tone up or lose a few pounds we weigh them weekly, help them make the right food choices by taking a trip to the market and helping them create meal plans for the week. We also have nutritionists that we work with who can also provide that extra support if there are specific dietary needs. Not only do we help them make the right choices we teach them the importance of weight training throughout our exercises. Building the muscles will burn the fat and speed up their metabolism.

M: How does joining your bootcamp help the bride who is trying to balance it all? Which in reality is all of them.

B: Studies indicate that exercise can help create a balance our lives. Exercise can help manage stress and anxiety. As a bride we experience these emotions. Starting a routine right away with exercise and making it a part of your life can keep these emotions in check and help you concentrate on the big picture and just learn to enjoy the experience of being a bride.

M: How has the schedule worked for your clients?

B: Classes are convenient early morning hours so that it does not interfere with everything else. The schedule has worked because we provide classes in the early morning and with the bridal bootcamp we can provide individual private or group sessions.

M: Can you share a story about how the bootcamp worked for one of your brides?

B: I had the pleasure of working with several brides over the past two years. One had specific weight-loss goals and also wanted to look fabulous in her dress. We meet weekly, went to the market together, had coffee and talked about the stresses of being a bride. She shared with me her meal plans, food logs and I was able to help her make some modifications with her meals. She lost two sizes, won a few contests and kept us all involved when her day was approaching. Immediately after she sent a picture in her wedding dress and I was blown away by how stunningly beautiful she looked and I was so happy to be a part of that.
She is still with us today and is one of our biggest supporters.

M: If people want more information how can we contact you?

B: Contact me directly at 917.613.9121, check out the website www.realbodybootcamp.com, or feel free to email me at realbodybootcamp@gmail.com. I am here to help you anytime.

This was an actually a wooden door post we brought in so that guests could take pictures

The bull was ridden by young, old, male and female and every guest had the same expression when they walked in and saw it, SURPRISE!

The sweets table included all the things that the guest of honor loves: choc chip cookies, brownies, pretzels, swedish fish and cupcakes

Guests were able to get a cartoon caricature of themselves draw on the spot.

These cupcakes were incredible and the detail was impeccable! He loves playing cards and this what inspired the design.

Guests were able to leave a few loving words.

Upon entering everyone took a bandana.

He loves ice cream and so did the guests the ice cream bar was a hit!
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These were little favor boxes so the guests could take some treats home.

It is such a pleasure each time I get to work with Sue of Sue’s Sweets. Sue is so pleasant and professional and the beautiful cakes that she consistently creates are matched perfectly by their decadent flavor.

Thus far this is my favorite. Much time went into designing this cake.
It tasted as good as it looked! The design was inspired by Carlos Bakery’s cake.
Modifications were the matching crowns on top which the bride and groom kept
for a lifetime of memories and the intricately designed braided cord pillow.
The flavor was almond with raspberry and lemon mousse, red velvet with
cream cheese,chocolate with strawberries and chocolate ganache. DELICIOUS!
Just in case your mouth isn’t watering enough, here is a couple more.