(re) Defining Moments is excited about our new blog space on Typepad. We are growing and looking forward to adding more new and innovative content. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Our new blog address is http://unbridledimagination.typepad.com.

As always thanks for all of your love and continued support.

Regards,

Karen

This morning I had the pleasure of visiting Avia Savannah and meeting Lisa Martello, Meeting and Events Manager.

Avia opened its doors in Historic Savannah on January 23^rd.

Part of a boutique hotel collection owned by Lodgeworks; Avia embodies the art of living well – infusing authentic, fresh, inspiring design, and the highest levels of service and a sophisticated sense of place.

Avia definitely hit the mark by combining style, modern day appeal, flavor and elegance. Avia has undoubtedly raised the bar in Savannah. The planners and architects for this project left no stone unturned.

Such attention to detail! I Love It!

I was simply blown away!  I am looking forward to booking future weddings and events at this innovative new venue. Like a little kid in the candy store, I experienced all of the delights and pleasures visually possible during my visit. Avia Savannah was everything I expected plus more!

Here are a few pictures that I managed to snap while visiting.

The view from the Terrace is both spectacular and breathtaking! A perfect location for Cocktail Hour!

Fall in love with Avia Savannah – A fabulous host for any event.

Look for more to come from RDM on this exciting, phenomenal venue. Thanks Lisa for making my visit warm and inviting.

Bride and Groom:

Tiffaney Sharee Moore & Damion Charles Randolph

Date Engaged:

September 1, 2007

Where and how did you meet?

We used to work together years ago. We were friends for years before we started dating.

How and where did he propose?

Dame’s proposal was a wonderful, unexpected surprise! We had dated for several years and then broken up for a while. We had starting dating again for about six months before we went on vacation to the Bahamas. On our last night there, Dame wanted to walk on the beach. I was somewhat annoyed and definitely ready to return home after a long week away. The island was beautiful, but very expensive and over commercialized. Had I not been so cranky, I might have been suspicious of his intentions. Dame hates the beach. In general, he avoids it all costs. He has been a “pool” person since a crab bite to the toe as a child. After strolling along the beach and reminiscing over the relaxing experiences that we had all week– aside from the tourist traps– Dame pretended to have been bit by a crab on his toe. He fell to his knees and asked me to marry him on a beautiful Bohemian beach under the stars!

When is your wedding date?

September 25, 2009

Why did you pick the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia?

We wanted to offer our guests a beautiful destination site. The charm of historic Savannah, GA was hard to deny. My brother lives in Savannah and most of my family is traveling from Montgomery, AL and Columbia, SC, primarily. Although he is originally from the suburban Philadelphia area, his brother and father have since relocated to the Atlanta area in addition to many of my friends. We found Savannah to be a convenient destination site for all! The Mansion on Forsyth Park is an elegant venue that will offer an upscale experience for our guests.

Where do you reside now?

Philadelphia, PA

Describe Your Dream Wedding

We’ll let our guests tell you about it on September 26!!

Interesting Facts & Tidbits About Your Wedding

No detail is too small–even the room lighting will be changed to fulfill our vision! Hence our need for an extremely detail oriented wedding planner!

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and I love the fact that it falls on a Saturday. This year is especially exciting for me because I am off! No weddings! Okay, I sort of planned it that way.

James and I usually don’t make a big fuss about Valentine’s Day. For us everyday is special and we are always showering each other with gifts.

This year Valentine’s Day holds a very special meaning for us. We will celebrate 10 years of marriage on the 27^th. I realize that I have been truly blessed with an amazing man. He is my one true love, companion and soul-mate.

Tomorrow my prayer is that each of you make it a point to celebrate that someone special in your life. Make Valentines Day a day to remember for the one you love.

Here are a few ideas that might inspire you!

Renew Your Wedding Vows: Make it a Valentine’s Day you will never forget and renew your vows at the Valentine’s Day Weddings event at the Davenport House Garden. Ceremonies will be offered every 10 minutes and reservations are required. For more information, please call 912.236.8097.

Relax and Indulge: The “Two of a Kind” couple’s massage at The Greenbrier Spa at The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort is the perfect couples retreat.

Lighthouse Lip Lock: Steal a smooch at the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Climb to the top of Georgia’s tallest lighthouse and get a glimpse of Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach.

Give Sweets to your Sweet: Savannah has a tasty treat for your sweet tooth! Candy shops abound in the Historic District filling the air with the sweet smell of handmade confections which are the perfect aphrodisiac or mid-afternoon snack. Stop into Riverstreet Sweets and pick up a little nibble for the one you love.

An Enchanted Evening – Create a romantic evening for two; rent a suite at the Mansion on Forsyth. Have the room decorated with lots of candles and rose petals. Delight your senses with romantic oils and fragrances. Don’t forget the sexy lingerie, chocolates and champagne.

My Personal Favorite – Stay home, get a babysitter, hire a personal chef to whip up a fabulous dinner or sensuous appetizers…including chocolate dipped strawberries, and champagne.

Whatever you decide

Don’t forget the details!

Use your unbridled imagination!

Make it Memorable! Make it Fabulous!

Make it a truly defining moment!

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(re) Defining Moments has been awarded the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards^TM!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. The Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

~A special thanks to all of my clients. Without you this award would not be possible. ~ Karen

Finding the right color palette for your wedding can prove to be a daunting task. Here is a really neat Color Palette Generator to help you select the right  shades, tones and colors from photographs or swatches that you have on your computer.

Check out this example!

Let’s say that you are “inspired” by the colors of the rose petals and you want to use this particular color scheme for your wedding.

Simply upload the image to the generator and it breaks the colors down for you. The palette can be download for future reference.  Fast & Easy! Once you’re finished you end up with a stunning harmonious color palette for your event! Fabulous!

Bride and Groom:
Briana & Todd

Date Engaged:
November 27th, 2008

Where and how did you meet?
We met through my best friend Joya Gibson Bilton and his buddy Chris Bilton at Joya’s bacchelorate party

How and where did he propose?
He proposed at home…. very intimate evening on Thanksgiving. I was waiting around the last few months for him to pop the question and I just figured it would probably happen around Christmas. After returning from his sisters house from a day of celebration he called me into the living room to point out a mess our doggie made on the floor and when he pointed to it in the corner I found a better surprise. Quite the jokster!

When is your wedding date?
June 7, 2009

Why did you choose Savannah?
We choose the beginning of summer because it is a time filled with sunshine and excitement and anticipation of whats to come. We choose Savannah because it is a city that is known for her charm and beauty. It is oh so romantic. Our friends and family will come from all over and many have never visited Savannah. We are very excited to share this time with them in Savannah.

Where do you reside now?
Atlanta, Georgia

Describe Your Dream Wedding
An intimate wedding with close family and friends that is as unique as we are that will give us an opportunity to really connect with our loved ones and create a very memorable experience.

Interesting Facts & Tidbits About Your Wedding
We really wanted our wedding to incorporate our friends and family. Our friend Victoria Jordan has created all of the invites, programs and menus for our wedding. Our friend Sherri Day Phillips will get ordained so she can officiate the wedding. My mother will stand in my father’s place, who passed away almost two years ago and will walk me down the aisle. Todd’s sister and brother in law will recite a special inspirational love reading and two of our close friends will sing for the processional. The welcome reception and rehearsal dinner will take place at Lady and Son’s. The ceremony will take place at Monterey Square following with a celebration at Vic’s on the River.

On yesterday, I had the honor and distinct pleasure of touring the Metts Mansion. The MettsMansion is now available for rent. A fabulous venue for your Wedding or Reception.

With style, grace and southern charm The Metts Mansion is sure to appeal to the bride with the most discrimitive taste. The Mansion is rich with history and would make a beautiful backdrop for your Historic Savannah Wedding.

Metts Mansion History – In 1896, Dr. Lawrence McNeil, President of the Savannah Lighting Company selected the most perfect location to enjoy the spectacular views of Forsyth Fountain. He commissioned architect G.L. Norman to design a mansion to compliment the elegant fountain. When gazing from the stunning balconies and verandas of the home you have the vantage point to view the crown jewel and centerpiece of the park.

The Greek revival mansion was completed in 1907 with over 10,000 square feet of space to entertain the city of Savannah and her guests. The large rooms on the main floor with their elaborate wood embellishments and Victorian design transport visitors to an era of decadence and splendor. The present owner of the mansion is Dr. James C. Metts Jr. who is best remembered for his character in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

The Metts Mansion serves as an ideal location for wedding and reception!

Bride and Groom

Jessica and Garrett

Date Engaged

August 9, 2008

Where and how did you meet?
(Sheepish Grin) We actually met in a country bar called Six Strings in Central Illinois — Jessica was not so interested in meeting anyone, but after introductions, for some crazy reason she decided to give Garrett her phone number anyway.

After waking up to a text message from him the next morning, Jessica asked Garrett to go out for coffee (not knowing he doesn’t drink coffee). This awkward and incredibly uncomfortable coffee date turned into a somewhat terrifying interview for Garrett.

Long story short — Garrett continued to pursue Jessica and God continued to soften her heart. )

How and where did he propose?
Jessica is a devoted Chicago Cubs baseball fan… Garrett roots for the St. Louis Cardinals. Garrett nabbed tickets to a Cubs/Cardinals game in Chicago on August 9, 2008. The Cubbies did not win. Jessica was oblivious that Garrett had a ring.

Unfortunately, Jessica had not been feeling well the days leading up to the trip. Garrett had actually tried to propose on 08/08/08, but Jessica was not up to going anywhere or doing anything. So, after the baseball game on Saturday, Garrett and Jessica continued to venture out all over Chicago — going to dinner, to a great little piano bar, and Navy Pier (just missing the fireworks).

The two headed back to the hotel, Garrett somewhat frustrated and Jessica somewhat relieved to get some rest (still not feeling well). Jessica was in the bathroom of their hotel room preparing for bed and decided to open the door so that Garrett could come in if he needed to. Water running and toothbrush in hand, Jessica opens the door and finds Garrett… on one knee… ring in hand.

With a look of complete exasperation/exhaustion on his face, Garrett says: ‘I was trying to make this perfect and unique…. but you just… kept… ruining it.’

So absolutely true. AND she said YES!

When is your wedding date?

December 13, 2008

Why did you pick Savannah and Whitefield Chapel

We promised Garrett’s parents that we wouldn’t elope, so our solution was to have a small destination wedding with our closest family and friends. Months earlier, we had discussed wanting to travel to Savannah — this seemed like the perfect time to escape the cold December weather of Central Illinois.

Where do you reside now?

Central Illinois

Describe Your Dream Wedding

Getting married at Whitefield Chapel in Savannah, GA — of course — with our closest family and friends attending. Some of our siblings will not be able to attend, and if they could… it would be perfect.

Meet Lynne & James

A fabulous couple from Chicago

I met the newly married couple in April and they were wonderful to work with. Lynne, very detailed oriented and knows exactly what she wants.

I loved working with Lynne. Very organized and focused. Her attention to every detail was seen throughout the event.

Their wedding day was filled with elegance, grace and sophistication. Lynne’s family is truly awesome and her father can definitely liven up any party! I was blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and blessed celebration.

Lynne chose an awesome group of professionals. Lynne’s all-star team of vendors included

Garden on The Square, Julie is the most amazing and gifted floral designer I have ever met.

The First City Club, Jennifer and her staff were very professional and courteous. The food was amazing!

First African Baptist Church - Revered Tillman and staff were so accommodating and eager to offer their assistance wherever needed.

(re) Defining Moments – Full Service Wedding & Special Event Planner

Savannah’s very own Huxsie Scott sung the night away. Huxsie’s band was a hit with all the guests. Huxsie’s granddaughter, Markeya made a special appearance. Markeya performed a wonderful rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s A Tisket, A Tasket. This young lady is destined for greatness!

The Mansion’s 700 Drayton Street – Day After Thank You Brunch

The Lady & Sons – Groom’s Dinner

DVB Photographers – Donna and Kelli, did an amazing job of capturing a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Mirror Images Productions – Thomas and Claudia were on point as they caught the entire day on film.

New Arts Ensembles – It is always a pleasure to work with Kristen and Ricardo. The Gospel choir was awesome and left a memorable impression on all.

Thanks again to all of the wonderful vendors who worked together to make Lynne and James event a success!

A Few Words From Lynne & James – “We just finished our last wedding event and we couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you for putting up with my incessant emails, planning and schedules, etc. I read on many wedding websites -that you should plan for something to go wrong at your wedding – no matter how long or intense your planning process.

What those folks didn’t count on was a phenomenal team of wedding professionals such as yourselves. All of our guest raved about Savannah, the attention to detail and how personal the wedding was. James and I felt comfortable the entire 3 days because we knew you were helping us with our vision.

On behalf of James and myself – from the bottom of our hearts – we will never forget you and we thank you for blessing our wedding events with your incredible skills and talents. ~Love, Lynne & James”.

The couple celebrates their one-week anniversary today. They compliment each other very well. A union of two wonderful families has been made. This couple is destined for a lifetime of happiness!

Lynne & James, Congratulations! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share in your very special day!

Blessings,

Karen

Pictures from Lynne & James Wedding Celebration

The picture of Lynne climbing the steps is one of my favorites. I love the way her gown flows and moves with her as she heads up the steps in one of the alley’s on River Street.

To move in high heels like this is an amazing feat in itself.

Kudos to you Lynne!

Thanks Donna for the amazing photos!