Behind the Design: Arabian Nights

We were delighted to be brought in for Event & Floral Design Services during Friday nigh's Moroccan theme event in Virginia Beach, Virginia at The Cavalier Hotel Hotel's Beach Club.  The event was hosted by Liberty Tax and managed by our friends at Astro DJ Entertainment and yes, it was EPIC!!  


 Here are a few "UNOFFICIAL PICS"... enjoy!

BEFORE  DESIGN & INSTALLATION WORK

Before - Concept Illustration

After - Final Design 

Before - Concept Illustration

After - Final Design 

Stage Draping and Theme Accents

We were so delighted to be part of a fabulous team of local vendors including: 
Astro Entertainment
AFR Furniture Rental
Stage Right Lighting


We anxiously awaiting to share the "OFFICIAL" pictures from the event which featured DJ, live band, and a simply amazing cirque de-sole style performance be Magical Solutions Inc. ...Cheers!!

Fabulous Fun & Fun with Terebinth & Lizzi London

What fun!!  This weekend we had a wonderful time participating in an event at "Terebinth, A Sweet Retreat" in Virginia as they hosted the simply delightful design "Lizzi London".  Yes, her real name London... yes, she is from London... and yes, this fabulous presentation of her newest collection was part of Terebinth's Pre-Prom Party.  Many of the styles ranged from edgy to sophisticated to avant guarde fantasy.  

It was our pleasure to create Runway Decor, Event Staging, and Floral Designs for the event.  Guests of the event were entertained prior to the fashion show with our signature "On-the-spot" Event Caricature Services (drawn in just 3 minutes) and by other participating vendors such as Shutter Booth Photo Booth.  Courious?  Take a sneak peek inside Saturday's event with these "Unofficial pics"... enjoy!!

Here's a little "Fun".... and yep, this guest loooooved her Caricature as much as we looooved drawing it. 

 

Here's a little "Fabulous".... We loved designing, staging and creating these fanciful room-scape almost as fabulous as Lizzi London's . 

"...and you do what?": Part I (of 4)

Planner, Coordinator, Designer, Consultant... it all means the same thing right? 

Not so fast.  So often when meeting with Brides and Grooms (or Event Hosts) who are just becoming acquainted with the events and weddings industry we(Wedding Pros) find ourselves clarifying a few misnomers about the roles, responsibilities and the generally "who does what"s in the planning and production process.  That's why I wanted to do this short (4 part) series entitled "...and you do what?".  In it, I'll clarify some of what certain Event Professionals (such as Planners, Coordinators, and Designers) do.

Before diving into our first installment I'd like to ask you a questions.  If a little kid asked you, "What does a Mechanic do?", would you feel comfortable describing the basics idea behind their job?  Now, most of you probably just answered, "Yes, of course".  And no surprise there, most adults have had to take a car to one (and for most of us probably more than once). We know what Mechanics and Repair People do because we see them somewhat regularly basis.  They are services that fit into and we use throughout our everyday personal and professional lives. 

We may not know each exact process, technique, training, tools, skills and so on involved in what they do but we do have an expectation of what will be done.  We have a general understand of what their job entails, trust them to know what they are doing and to do it correctly.  We do this so regularly in fact that we often just take what we know about their duties (such as which ones to go for which needs, who specializes in what, etc.) for granted.  The same can be said about other professions like Hair Stylists, Food Service, Clothing Boutiques, etc.  We run into these service providers hundreds of times in life.  And although these services are far, far more customized, elaborate, specialized, and usually complex for a wedding we still have some idea of what these Professionals will be doing. 

Ever been to a concert or a dance club before?  Then you have some idea of the type of services a DJ or a Band may provide.  Sure, it's more than just playing music, it's transitioning between activities, facilitating and communicating with your guests throughout the evening however, you also understand that it will be very different for a wedding environment and you will have to trust their expertise.  And if you've ever had a "Bad Picture" taken at the DMV, in a class picture, or in a candid photo with some friends then you know what a "Great Photographer" could do for you.  Again, you also know their services may require different equipment, assistants, and skills for capturing those "once in a lifetime" moments on camera.

So, maybe it's because large, structured events like weddings just don't happen every day.  For most people wedding planning requires working with professionals and processes they've seldom deal on a daily basis.  And with so many different professional titles like Wedding Planner, Consultant, Coordinator and Designer (all of which have slightly different responsibilities) there's often some misunderstandings about "who does what", who may provide the right service for the right needs, and confusion about their specific training, skills, duties, processes, techniques, etc.

Yes, most people may not run into Planning Professionals every day... or so you think.  I believe it's the various "titles" and the romanticized idea of Parties and Weddings that are misleading.  Say words "Wedding Planner" and images of glamorous parties, television shows, and funny little movie characters pop into most heads.  However say, "Project Manager" and you'd have quite a different image (more in the next post).  The truth is, these are two jobs that have similar duties and responsibilities but because of event industry terminology and the fact that weddings are (let's face it) such a fun occasion for the Client, the newly engaged may not see the similarities at first.

Next up we'll bust some myths, define the some roles, outline responsibilities, and help you start to identify which Event Pro may be the right fit for your needs when it comes to planning services starting with one of the most misunderstood... the "Day of Coordinator".

Oh, I'd like to leave you with a question...

"What do you think of when you think 'Day of Coordinator'?"

Feel free to leave your "Comments" below... cheers!

Revisiting: How your event can to survive a Hurricane!

With all the talk about Hurricane Irene approaching the East Coast this weekend I, like many others, are thinking about all the events scheduled this weekend. Personally, I find myself thinking of how I felt during those days leading up to my own wedding which took place just 2 days after Hurricane Isabel devastated our area. It was Thursday, September 18, 2003 when Isabel swept through the Virginia and by Friday morning 2/3 the state had no power, finding an operational gas station was difficult, businesses like the Tux shop, hair salons and reception venues were damaged or even closed, communications with family, friends and vendors became a challenge, and so on. Yet, with all these obstacles I was still able to have a simply lovely wedding day.

Now I can't help but think about all the Brides & Grooms getting married this weekend and how the normal butterflies in your stomach may be rapidly multiplying with the anticipation of this storm. So, How to have a fabulous wedding when the Governor issues a "State of Emergency"? Let me share our top 3 tips to a successful wedding despite the challenges... maybe even a Hurricane:

1.) Review and Re-Organize:

Sit down with your Wedding Consultant or Coordinator and review all of your Vendor Contracts for Cancellation, Refund, "Rain call" (the last possible day/hour you may change site set-up), "Acts of God" and other contract service fulfilment policies. Odds are your Pro will have already considered all of these factors as well as Contingency Plans for your "Big Day" and will more than likely have an Action Plan in the works for your review. If you don't have a professional Coordinator or are relying on the Venue's Coordinator for your wedding then you'll have to review all the policy deals of each Vendor's Contract. Remember, it's vital for you to be aware of is all these details as well as updating all Contingency Plans, Contact Lists, Checklists, and Timeline. If you'll be handling vendor management for your wedding make copies of all these materials and keep them on hand for the days to come.

2.) Perfect Professionals:

No mater how well you plan and try to foresee potential problems new concerns always pop up and that’s o.k. - that's why you've hired professionals! This is why you spent the time and money to research and bring in true wedding industry professionals and there is a reason why your Wedding Pros ARE PROS! You've already hired the perfect team of Professionals to meet your wedding needs so trust them. They have the resource, skills, experience and knowledge to think "outside the box" and offer solutions in a pinch. Keep an open-mind, don't be afraid to ask questions, be open to change and look to the expertise of your Wedding Professionals to offer options and solutions if problems arise no mater how big or small.

3.) Calm and Communication:

Having great communication will be key to all the hundreds of pieces of your event coming together seamlessly to create a wonderful experience. Part of your Wedding Coordinator's duties will be contacting, communicating, and facilitating the logistics of vendor services so you don't have to but what about your Bridal Party, Family and Friends? If there are last minute chances it may also be helpful for you and your Bridal Party (or maybe even your Coordinator depending on the type of service you have with them) to reach out to others. In cases of an emergency having an updated Phone Lists of your Wedding Party Members, Wedding Guests and Vendors available to forward to your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen may be useful just in case you need to start a phone tree.

Bonus Tip!! Positivity and Prescriptive:

Forget the old saying "What can go wrong, will go wrong." Instead, be positive. You can’t control everything so just trust that "What can go right, will go right". Know that your Friends, Family and Professionals will do what ever they can to create a successful day for you. Remember to have a good sense of humor, be thankful for your support team, trust the Pros you’ve chosen to work with, and remember what’s really important... At the end of the day you are marrying the one you love! Everything else is just icing on the wedding cake!

Now keep in mind these are just 3 tips and are not the only things you'll need to turn "disaster into delight" but there are sooo many more keep steps to "surviving disaster" during your special event. If have any questions you'd like to share don't hesitate to drop us a line!

Work Ethic... when events become work.

What is your Personal Work Ethic Philosophy? I recent saw truly inspiring Oprah Winfrey on a Barbara Walters special discussing some of her own (no pun intended) philosophy on work, charity, legacy and being of service to others to a divine or philanthropic purpose. She quoted a song which lyrics said, "just keep on using me until you use me up."

If you ever wonder what my philosophy is when it comes to my approach towards the work I and my team do (Any work - Regardless of how big or small, how fun or difficult) it is actually two fold. The first is to remember everything I (or those I work with) do will benefit the "Greater Good" (or the "Bigger Picture"). In my case the "Greater Good" is usually the event, the Client, the experience of the guests and so on.

The second is to strive to do every job (again regardless of task's size or status) with great care, pride, dedication, to the best of my ability and usually extending myself to rise above and beyond what is called for. I often think of these words which sum up my philosophy beautifully...

"If it falls to our luck to be street-sweepers, sweep the streets, like Raphael painted pictures, like Michelangelo carved marble, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, and like Beethoven composed music. Sweep the streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth would have to pause and say ... ...Here lived a great street sweeper"

- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., June 20, 1965

What Wedding/Event Pros can learn from the Vancouver Opening Ceremony

Oh Canada, what you were up against. I, like millions, watched the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver British Columbia last night. And again, like countless others, I wondered.... "How are they going to top Beijing?" Let's face it, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony was, in a word, amazing!

Comparisons to the Beijing Show: Mind boggling fireworks across the city and over the then newly constructed "Bird's nest" arena, thousands of musician (literally, 2008 drummers) and dancers performing in perfect unison, gravity defying over-the-top acrobatics, and multi-million (perhaps billion) dollar cutting-edge technology and special effects - Beijing created an unforgettable and awe inspiring Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games. Volunteers? Ha! The Chinese Government recruited nearly the entire country's participation in a well groomed, precisely orchestrated and unprecedented show for the world. The results were simply amazing.

The Event and The Economy: Beijing was a tough act to follow but think about this. China provided Artistic Director Zhang Yimou the tremendous resources and the enormous advantage of a whooping $300 million budget for the Beijing Opening Ceremony production. Compare that to the $38 millions budget David Atkins (Artistic Director for the Vancouver Ceremony) had to work with .

So, what can Wedding/Event Planners, Designers and Coordinators learn from the opening ceremony? David Atkins faced the same issues that many of us in the Wedding and Event Planning Industry have faced recently - working with reduced budgets and sometimes resources. It certainly wasn't a jaw-dropping spectacle but it was a welcoming event that expressed the spirit of the host (or in this case Host City) and isn't that what a reception is supposed to do? Yet, despite the event's two biggest issues (budget and manpower) they were still able to produce a warm and delightful experience for the audience. In the event planning and design field this is what truly separates the best from the rest of the crowd. Of course it's easy to create lavish affairs with unlimited budgets but it are those who can use their talents, creativity and innovation to create a wonderful and well polished experience that are the industry leaders.

Here's 4 things we as wedding/event pros can learn from Vancouver:

1. Create a feeling of intimacy:

One of the most successful things about last night was the feeling - of inclusion, history, and family. It was like the entire world was invited to a small family dinner at Canada's house. This was accomplished in a few ways. Atkins united us as one people, 1st with the four native tribes of Canada and then inviting the native people from across the Globe. Incorporating traditions is an effective way to create a deeply personal feeling and allow others to connect. This was my favorite part not just because it was interesting to see but, man, I love a good party and they danced for nearly an hour as the athletes of the world made their entrance.

2. Discover Local Talent:

Another way they created intimacy is by getting to know Canada and it's history and culture. This was accomplished through a couple of different types of story telling segments. A dramatic narration of the country's legends was told by the familiar voice of Canadian born actor Donald Sutterland (yes, Kiefer's Dad). Now I know Donald Sutterland isn't your average local talent but the ceremony also featured a Canadian Slam Poet, Chris Gilpin who expressed the more hip cultural spirit of British Columbia. Again, showcasing the country's own unique personality, culture and home-grown talent.

3. Lighting and mood:

The other element that was utilized in the story telling was lighting. David Atkins developed a mood during the ceremony with his use of lighting effects. Hundreds of projectors and LED screens were used to create alluring visual effects like the Northern Lights suspend above the arena, Whales swimming across the arena's floor and then thousands of Salmon swimming upwards to later transform into trees. The lighting effects drew everyone's attention towards the center of the arena defining the visual direct of events and engaging the audiences focus in a strategic direction and flow along with the story. It was very well done.

4. The show must go on:

Ok, Tribal Dancers... check, lighting effects... check. Well, I guess I can't finish without discussing the, uhmm, "technical difficulties" of the evening with the torch lighting. As "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky, held the torch on the arena floor we all wondered "Where was the cauldron?" We soon figured it out. It seems (and I could be wrong) that four columns and the Olympic Cauldron were to rise dramatically from the floor and four athletes were to all ignite it at once. Well, as 3 (of the 4) columns and the cauldron began to rise it be came apparent that if there was a 4th column that there was a malfunction and the 4th column was stuck. Did that stop the show? No way... After a few moments the columns were lit, the Olympic Cauldron was engulfed in flames and the 2010 Olympic Games began!

Experienced Wedding and Event Planners know - no mater how well you plan there will always, always, always be snags but it is the true professionals that are ready to react and it is their job to "put out those fire" (pardon the pun) without the guests' awareness. Experienced planners are quick problem solvers who can come up with solutions as soon as the problem pops up. But in some cases you have to do what the producers of the ceremony did... you just go with what you got. No need to panic or stop the entire event just because one column doesn't want to cooperate... use what you got and remember, "The show must go on"! So, they did and you know what... everything still worked out fine. A lesson for us all. Don't stop the show and in the words of fashion expert Mr. Tim Gunn, "make it work!"

Behind the design: Lovely and Low

In case you didn't know I love educating and facilitating. It's true! In fact, my 1st job as a teen was for the State of Virginia as Museum Services Assistant - giving demonstrations of 18th Century children's toys and helping with Revolutionary History Museum tours. Needless to say my focus now is more Fine Art and Event Design oriented and I'm more than happy to share theories, techniques and principles.

Ok, last time we talked about the "Power of 3" in creating visual interest on a table. Today I'd like to continue dissenting table-scapes but talking about a common mistake when choosing Centerpieces for an event. In general, centerpieces (floral or non-floral) fall into two categories; Tall and Low. Tall centerpieces tend to create a more dramatic look - giving the observer a feeling of full space and proportion by drawing the eye vertically. Low centerpieces are usually more intimate (and yes, less expensive). The reason low centerpieces create a more "intimate" feeling is because they do not draw your eye up and down, instead they keep your focus low - drawing your eyes horizontally across the table.

One of the most important things to remember with low centerpieces is they should be approximately than 10 -12 inches tall (or less). This is to make sure the design is functional (as all good design) and doe not disrupt with the guest's line of sight. An example of a bad low centerpiece design is one that obstructs the view of the guest. And although you many want to avoid your Cousin Fred, hiding behind the centerpiece should no be the way to do it.

Ok, so you don't have a ruler hand. Want a quick and easy way to check the height of a centerpiece? Don't let Mom see you do this but forget your manners for a moment and put your elbow on the table. From your elbow to your wrist or top of your fist is approximately 10' tall and roughly the maximum high for a "Low" centerpiece. Exception to the rule? There are always exceptions. If the centerpiece is clear, translucent or has design/materials with a lot of negative space but we will talk about that when we explore "Tall" centerpieces next time. Until then... Cheers!

Art and the Event: Celebrate with Caricatures!

We expect celebrity weddings to be glamours, even somewhat trendy. Guests at the spectacular wedding of music diva Fergie and Josh Duhamel were treated to a fun, funky and fabulous artistic statement that seems to be on the cusp of another trend. The couple's image was featured in an adorable caricature. This whimsical piece of art created a unique element and charming twist to their January 2009 wedding - which left their guests talking.

I've steadily seen a rise in requests for caricature services for wedding receptions. Why? The playful artwork has been the choice of birthday parties, company picnics, and holiday party Clients for years but with wedding couples looking for the best "bang for their buck", adding caricatures as entertainment at a wedding reception creates a in one-of-a-kind memento guests will cherish.

So, what should you know about hiring a Caricaturist for your wedding or special event? Here are 3 things to keep in mind when hiring a Caricaturist:

1.) Go Pro! - Hiring a Professional:

I've been performing caricatures professionally since 1991. I started at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) where I not only performed caricatures but I trained and supervised Caricature Artists. I continued to freelance as a contract Caricaturist through various local event companies. It may be tempting to hire a friend or student who has a talent for drawing but a professional Caricaturist should meet 3 criteria.

First, they should have experience with Caricatures specifically. This art form has been practiced for centuries. Even famed impressionist painter Claude Monet was an experienced Caricaturist. This type of art is not merely an exaggeration of a facial feature. Exaggerating a facial characteristic may result in picture that is more distortion than caricature. Instead, a good caricature is a rendering of a person's features using simplified lines. This is something learned through hours of training and experience.

Secondly, they should have speed. Caricatures have a funny effect at parties and special events. At first, guests are a little hesitate but once one person sits down with the Artist something curious happens. They begin to talk to the Artist, they relax, they laugh and other guests witness a once blank page spring to life with the personality of it's subject. Within no time a large crowd gathers, guests buzz, and a line quickly forms. A professional Caricaturist should be able to efficiently serve this group - typically drawing faces within 3 to 5 minutes.

Lastly, interpersonal skills. A Caricaturist will have to manage a crowd of spectators as well as their subjects, being able to seamlessly multitask. They will need to concentrate on the subject, speak with them, answer questions from them and others at the same time, manage their time, and remain polite and engaging throughout the entire process. A professional Caricaturist is experienced in building rapport and usually has a vibrant personality that helps guests feel comfortable and entertained. A professional Caricature Artist can be a contract freelancer or may be hired through an event or entertainment company such as a party rental, clown, or event planning company.

2.) Costs and Services:

It doesn't mater if you hire a freelance Caricaturist or one through an company, be sure to have a contract. A contract or service agreement will paint a clear picture of what service the Caricature Artist will provide, when they will arrive, how long they will stay, the costs of services, and any requirements they need to perform.

Caricaturists are usually hired on an hourly basis, creating several caricatures in a short amount of time. The hourly cost will vary due to a number of factors including time of year, minimum number of hours, etc. When booking be sure to ask about the type of caricatures being provide such as the size of the drawings (or the paper). Size of paper may vary depending on the Artist so ask what size paper they use (example: 11" x 14"). Many Caricaturists providing services for an event will draw Black and White faces which can be created quickly for a large crowd and will save the Client money.

3.) Other Dos and Don'ts:

Do book early. Just like any vendor, a Caricaturist or event company may book up during certain times of the year like the summertime or popular days such as holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays).

Do expect the Caricaturists to bring their own supplies. A professional Caricaturist will bring items including easel, paper, and drawing materials.

Do expect them to arrive early to set-up and to start on time.

Do provide a "Point of Contact" if you will not be available on-site. For example: provide them with the contact person's information for the venue (like the Catering Manager) where the reception will take place.

Do have a location for the Artist to set-up in mind. This may be coordinated through your Event Planner or site Point of Contact.

Do place the Artist in a well lit corner or area of the room.

Don't place the Caricaturist in a dimly lit or a "high-track" area of the room. This will help with the flow of the reception and lessen the chances of accidents.

Do provide the Artist with shade or place them in a shaded location if the event/reception will take place outdoors.

Do expect to provide (or have the venue provide) a least 2 chairs - one for the Artist and one for their subject. Some Caricaturist may provide their own chairs (as well as small tent for outdoor services) but this is usually for an additional fee and must be requested in advance or in their contract.

Don't expect them to continue beyond their booked time. Most Artists are somewhat flexible and may stay past their booked time but they will certainly charge for the additional time. Please discuss "overtime options" with them prior to booking.

Do have fun! Caricatures should be a delightful and creative way to celebrate the special day.

For more information on booking a Caricaturist for your reception or other unique special event ideas please visit www.vividexpressions.com

Art and the Event: Ice Expressions

When I established Vivid Expressions 3 years ago it was designed to be a creative outlet to showcase and incorporate Fine Art in the planning and production of weddings and other social events. Art can be featured in many ways and a wide array of artistic mediums in an event design. As an Artists myself I've worked with a range of tools and materials; paint brushes and canvas, a potters wheel and clay, silk screens, even engraving on zinc plates but there are only a few forms of art that use a chainsaw.

About a year ago I performed caricatures sketches at a "Winter Wonderland" theme Bar Mitzvah. The event was made fun (and a little funky) by transforming the look of the room with the decorative additions of a blue color wash (bathing the walls in bluish light), snowflake projected on the walls and ceiling, flashing LED tableware, and a striking up-lit Polar Bear Ice Sculpture surrounding in a delicate blue light. Our good friends at Ice Art created an awe-inspiring sculpture from ice that was at the center of the punch station. This creation added a breathtaking design element to the room.

For over 20 years Ice Art in Virginia Beach, Virginia has been the area's leading custom ice sculpture company. The company has served (and delivered) ice sculptures to Clients from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and well beyond. I once had the pleasure of briefly watching Steve Latham, the company's master "ice artist", wield a chainsaw with the same effortless skill as most artists have with a pen - a talent that can only come after years of experience (and should not be tried at home).

Just like with any type of art - the creations made by Ice Art and other ice sculpture companies can be far more expressive works of art than the old standard buffet swan you may have thought of in the past. Ice sculptures can be custom designed to enhance the concept you and your event designer have envisioned. Ice sculpture art can take the form of fairytale castles and carriages, contemporary modern art pieces, interactive bars, ocean inspired beach themes, and even ice chandeliers and vases. Each sculpture can be lit from the base in a variety of colors to complement the color scheme of the event and room.

So, eager to incorporate an ice sculpture into your wedding or special event design? Here are "5 things you should know when considering ice sculptures".

The Cost:

In general, the cost of an ice sculptures depend on the size and details of your custom design. Ice sculptures may start from $275.

Delivery:

As for delivery options, most ice sculpture companies will "deliver to the site", "set-up the piece on-site", and "the removal" of the ice sculpture however; you will always want to verify that they will do each of these services. Don't forget to ask about the company's removal policy or service. Some will take care of this for you and in some cases they will leave it to the catering staff. There are some who offer disposable equipment such as disposable trays and the caters or hosts are able to throw the equipment away and leave the sculpture outside to simply melt away.

Placement:

Ice sculptures usually are set-up in clear containers especially designed not to leak and to very discreetly contain the sculpture, ice and/or drainage tubes. Your event planner, event designer, and/or catering professional will work together to layout the best location for your ice sculpture in the room.

Timing:

There's no surprise, ice sculptures are not meant to last forever - eventually, they will melt away. But this isn't an ice cube or a snowball, these pieces are carved from blocks of ice that have gone through a special process making them clearer and better made for sculpting. Typically, these ice sculptures will retain their shape, details, and look their best for approximately 5 to 6 hours however, they will still look great for many hours after that. Will this time vary outdoors? Yes, elements like wind and temperature will play a factor however, your event designer, planner, and/or carter will understand that direct sunlight will do the quickest damage and will know the best placement.

The Design:

Some companies may have a portfolio of work available online to view but it's always best to sit down with the ice sculpture company (and your event planner or event designer) to get a better idea of what they can offer you. Try to come with some idea of your wedding or event concept. Feel free to bring pictures, magazines, or an event designer's sketches but be open to their suggestions, after all, the ice sculpture professionals may have ideas, tips, and options you may not have thought of or even knew existed. Remember, most are delighted to design an ice sculpture around you and your event.

If you're interested in adding custom designed ice sculpture to your event design speak to your event planner or event designer. Also, if in the Hampton Roads area feel free to contact us or I'd recommend contacting Andrea Latham, Vice President at Ice Art. She has worked with hundreds of Hampton Roads Brides for years as a certified professional and will certainly take care of you. Be sure to let her know we at Vivid Expressions LLC referred you.