Get Ready For Your Big Day With Tips From An Expert

By Deborah Welky

Having conceptualized their wedding day ever since seeing Disney’s Cinderella, many soon-to-be brides have everything already planned, down to the glass slippers. So why hire a wedding planner? The reasons are many but, most importantly, a wedding planner knows about everything that’s new and exciting, and can save you money. To get the inside track, we spoke with professional wedding planner Jennifer Hardiman, chief event officer (CEO) at Fabuluxe Events.

Q: When’s the best time for couples to announce their engagement?

A: After they have told immediate family. Then it’s OK to announce it on social media.

You don’t want family members to find out about your engagement via Facebook.

 

Q: How should you choose your wedding date, and when?

A: The couple should examine their calendars, decide what time of year they want to get married, then think about how long they’ll have to plan. While holiday weekends sound like a great idea for out-of-town guests, sometimes travel expenses are higher and could cost a premium at your venue. It’s ideal to have at least six months to plan a wedding. However, we have planned entire weddings in less than six weeks.

 

Q: When setting their wedding budget, what should couples keep in mind?

A: Everyone has a budget. Most vendors will work with you as long as you are honest with them as to what you can afford. If they can’t do what you want within your budget, they will tell you. It is important to remember little things like postage, alterations, accessories, printing and frames for signage, favors, gifts for the wedding party, cute things that you see when browsing Etsy — all those things add up, and suddenly your budget is busted. Be very specific when putting together your budget. From the beginning, talk with both families and confirm who’s paying. There is nothing worse than a miscommunication regarding money during wedding planning.

 

Q: Why should couples consider hiring a planner?

A: There are so many reasons. A planner can help guide you through the process, help you stay on budget, recommend vendors, review contracts, keep the design on track, help guide where to splurge and where to save money, prioritize costs and navigate the emotional stresses. In addition, on the actual wedding day, planners keep vendors organized and the day flowing. We allow the couple and their families to be guests at the wedding. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments, and we don’t want any of them to be missed. There are so many unseen things that planners do at every wedding… we sew on buttons and repair ripped seams, make sure everyone eats and stays hydrated. In our experiences, we have re-curled bridesmaids’ hair, gone to McDonald’s to get food for the littlest guests and so much more. The key is that a planner takes care of any hiccups before the couple ever finds out they’ve happened.

 

Q: What’s the best way to compile a guest list?

A: First find out how many people your venue holds and figure the cost per person. Then you know how many guest you can afford to have at your wedding. Start with immediate family and friends, then progress to those who may be work associates, etc. Don’t invite more people than you can afford. Especially in South Florida, you could be surprised at how many out-of-town guests whom you don’t expect will come to the wedding.

 

Q: How should you choose and when should you reserve the venue for your reception?

A: The venue should be one the first things you reserve. But do your homework before setting appointments to see venues. Make sure it is in a location you want and is the style you want (country club, hotel, beach, barn). Then look at their web sites and Facebook/Instagram pages. Then you can narrow it down to the top three that you want to visit.

 

Q: How soon should you choose your bridal attendants?

A: It’s not a requirement to choose attendants right after you get engaged. Take some time; think about any siblings from both sides who need to be included, then think about friends to be included. Within a month of getting engaged, you should ask those people to be part of the bridal party.

 

Q: When is the best time for a bride to start shopping for her wedding gown?

A: A bride should start shopping for her wedding gown at least eight to 10 months prior to the wedding. Some designers can take up to six months for the dress to be made to the bride’s measurements and shipped. It is important to leave enough time for alterations and fittings. It’s also important not to bring too many people dress shopping. There will be too many opinions, and it can cause stress for the bride. Bring the people who are closest to you.

 

Q: When should the bride select her attendants’ gowns, and who should be involved in that decision?

A: The bride should be involved and should have the attendants try on different fits and styles. Not everyone has the same body type. It’s OK to let the bridesmaids wear different styles of the same color dress. It is more important for them to feel comfortable and confident.

 

Q: How should the couple choose a theme for the wedding and reception?

A: I always tell our couples to be true to who they are when choosing anything related to their wedding, and that goes for theme or colors. There is a lot of pressure these days to create a Pinterest-worthy wedding. And themes tend to go along with your venue’s decor. It is all tied together. If there is not a theme (Tuscany inspired, Paris inspired, vintage, modern chic, etc.) that fits your personalities, don’t force it. Go with the colors you like and little touches of yourselves throughout the décor.

 

Q: How important is the selection of food and entertainment?

A: Two things people remember are, “Was the food good?” and “Did we have fun?” Food and beverages are key to creating the right atmosphere and tone for the entire reception.

 

Q: What is the best way for couples to research photographers, videographers, florists and cake-bakers? When should contracts with them be signed?

A: The internet is a great place to start. Look at Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to get a sense of the style of the vendor. But word-of-mouth and recommendations by other people in the industry are invaluable. This is where a wedding planner can help tremendously. Planners know the personalities of the vendors and their price points, and can help you find the right fit. It is always good to interview at least one or two people in each category. You want to like the people you are working with. In some cases, such as photography and videography, the couple will be with them for up to 12 hours on the wedding day.

 

Q: When should honeymoon planning start?

A: Though traditionally this was left up to the groom, now it is more a joint project between the bride and the groom. Planning should start approximately six months ahead of the wedding, if possible. This way the couple can choose a destination and save money to pay for the honeymoon.

 

Q: What are the latest trends in wedding rings, and when should rings be purchased?

A: For grooms, there are many more choices than expected. Grooms can get a ring made of silicone, wood and metal, tungsten, stainless steel, gold or platinum. For the ladies, the ring should complement the engagement ring. Stacked wedding bands, conflict-free diamonds, colored stones, mixed metals… all are great options. Rings should be purchased with plenty of time for appropriate sizing and engraving — at least two or three months prior to the wedding day.

 

Q: When should the couple select wedding invitations? When should they be sent?

A: It is nice to send a save-the-date announcement to everyone on the guest list as soon as you have the date, location and guest list finalized. But make sure everyone who gets the announcement is getting an invitation! Then, about six months prior to the wedding, start working on invitations. Custom invitations take longer to produce than invitations from some of the popular web sites, and if you want hand calligraphy on the envelopes, factor in the time that takes. Invitations should be mailed eight to 12 weeks prior to the wedding, with an RSVP due 30 days prior to the wedding.

 

Q: How far in advance of the wedding should couples register for gifts?

A: The couple should register three to six months prior to the wedding and before any wedding showers. Couples today are registering for everything from housewares to funds for their honeymoon. Registries can be combined on sites like www.myregistry.com.

 

Q: What about the bride’s hair and makeup? Should the bride do a dry run before her big day?

A: Absolutely, yes. Bridal makeup is much different than everyday makeup. The bride should try it out with the makeup artist. It is a great way to get to know the artist. The bride shouldn’t be afraid to ask for a different shade of lipstick or less dramatic eyes during the trial. It may feel like the bride has on a lot more makeup than normal, but in pictures, she’ll look perfect.

 

Q: Is it better for the couple to select all their own music or to leave it up to the band or DJ?

A: The couple should choose some of pieces of music, then trust their band or DJ for the rest. For example, the couple should pick their processional, recessional, first dance and parent dances. But it can be OK to let the band or DJ pick the songs for things that may not be as important to the couple. Give the band/DJ the types of music that the couple wants played and their favorite artists. Then the band/DJ can see what is working with the crowd, keep the dance floor full and ensure a good time.

 

Q: What is your advice for couples who want to select readings and write their own wedding vows?

A: Start early and practice. When writing your own vows, you want them to truly explain how you feel about your fiancé. They should be heartfelt, but not too long. And not too many inside jokes… no one else will understand them. For readings, it is important to review them with your officiant to make sure they are appropriate for the ceremony.

 

Q: How soon should the groom’s family plan the rehearsal dinner and make reservations?

A: Tradition suggests that all members of the wedding party, their spouses and significant others, and out-of-town guests should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. But the trend recently has been toward smaller dinners and then meeting up with out-of-town guests for a welcome party or cocktails at a local hotspot. This is also tied to budget. If the budget allows for a larger gathering, then great. If a smaller, more intimate gathering is what the couple wants, that’s fine, too. But at least two or three months prior to the wedding, this should be finalized.

 

Q: Do you recommend securing a limousine, antique car, horse and carriage or other wedding-day transportation? Are there pitfalls? And what about transportation for the parents?

A: I definitely recommend transportation for the wedding couple, wedding party and parents at a minimum. This way everyone arrives on time and at the same time. I also recommend transportation for guests via a trolley or bus. This helps reduce drinking and driving. For the wedding couple, an antique car as they are leaving the church or at the end of the reception is fantastic. It also gives the couple a few moments alone to just enjoy each other. We have also worked with Uber and created wedding discount codes and provided that information to the guests so they can easily get from place to place.

 

Q: When it comes to gifts for the attendants, do you suggest traditional or lighthearted gifts?

A: This is all about personality — the personalities of the attendants, the wedding couple and their relationship with the attendants. No matter what the type of gift, it should be meaningful and not just because it’s the trendy thing to do.

 

Q: When does the couple need to get their marriage license?

A: A marriage license in Florida is good for 60 days after it is issued. I recommend going to get the license a few weeks prior to the wedding. If the couple is coming from out-of-state, they can get the license as soon as they arrive in Florida. There is no waiting period for out-of-state residents.

 

Q: Traditionally, the night before the wedding is when bachelor and bachelorette parties are held. Today, a combined party is often hosted. What are your recommendations on this?

A: Definitely not the night before the wedding! The night before the wedding, everyone should get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. I recommend planning a night out about a month before. Combined parties can be a lot of fun, or the couple can start the night separately and then have everyone end up at the same location later.

The Perfect Dress For Your Perfect Day!

Many women dream of their wedding from a young age, and it usually begins the first time they swing a white sheet over their shoulders and pretend it is their wedding dress. From that moment forward, the fun and excitement about their wedding gown takes shape. Choosing a wedding gown is one of the most important decisions any bride can make — after choosing the perfect partner, of course. No matter how extravagant or streamlined the rest of the wedding day is, it really is all about the dress.

We recommend that brides begin their journey of finding the perfect dress as soon as they set a date, since it will likely take some time to find the perfect one, order it and often wait for delivery. Some brides may try on more than a hundred dresses, while for a lucky few, they know the moment they slip the first one on that it is the perfect dress.

Before you go out and visit bridal shops, you should browse online, thumb through magazines, get to know what styles are out there and consider what style suits you best. Are you more traditional, perhaps modern or maybe a rebel? Do you prefer something other than white or ivory, opting for a pop of color?

Doing some research will help you when you walk into to your first appointment. It will set the tone and help the shop or designer know what type of dresses to show you.

Whether it is your first wedding, second wedding or renewing your vows — there is a perfect dress out there for your perfect day!

 

Meet The Directors Of Catering

By Julie Unger

Weddings call for special attention to the details — those little things that make or break an event and keep guests talking for years to come.

Some of the most exclusive, but not elusive, venues in the area have amazing teams that help put these events together at their gorgeous locations. A crucial member of these teams, the director of catering, quite literally caters to the needs of the client while also ensuring delicious food in a spectacular atmosphere.

Three of the beautiful locations we visited recently changed ownership and, with that change, have seen renovations and updates to make them better than ever.

At the Wanderers Club, we checked in with Whitney Garcia, who works to make each event unique. At the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Nelson Tamargo applies a multicultural approach to catering. At the new Wellington National Golf Club, Aaron Menitoff creates a dazzling delight for the eyes that is an experience in and of itself, as well as delicious, creative food. At Breakers West, Trinity Clark enjoys guiding brides and grooms through an affordable, yet still luxurious, version of the best of what the Breakers Palm Beach has to offer.

Each of these venues has an attentive, detail-oriented staff that is passionate about making your day something special, with laughter, joy and memories to last a lifetime. Join us as we meet the directors of catering behind these special locations and learn what makes each place outstanding.

 

Whitney Garcia

The Wanderers Club

At the Wanderers Club, Whitney Garcia serves as your guide through weddings and other special events.

“I have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in conventions and special events from East Carolina University,” Garcia said. “I began my career with a private event planning company in North Carolina, working mainly with brides on all aspects of their wedding. After relocating to Florida, I broadened my expertise by handling corporate events at the PGA National Resort & Spa. I quickly missed the social and wedding aspect of event planning and made the change to country clubs.”

Garcia began her catering career by working with restaurants throughout college, which led to becoming a banquet server at a private country club in North Carolina, where she fell in love with weddings.

“I then worked for a private event planning company, learning every aspect of weddings, and there was no going back,” she said.

Garcia joined the team at the Wanderers Club three years ago, working to create dream events for members and nonmembers alike. She orchestrates special events at the Wanderers Club with its multiple dining experiences, golfing opportunities, an Olympic-size pool, and even the option for fireworks and ice sculptures.

At the Wanderers Club, Garcia has the opportunity to take part in the ever-changing, fast-paced wedding environment, and see couples enjoy the big day they worked long and hard to plan.

“I have the opportunity to first meet the couple and their families and show off our beautiful clubhouse,” Garcia said. “I then work closely with the bride to either fully understand her vision or help to create it. From there, I work with our executive chef and food and beverage director to bring their dream wedding to life.”

The catering services available at the Wanderers Club is extremely unique.

“From the stunning new ballroom to the phenomenal talents of our executive chef, to our personalized service, the Wanderers Club is unparalleled,” Garcia said. “We strive to ensure that each wedding is exactly what the couple wants and not a ‘cookie-cutter’ wedding. Our newly renovated ballroom is the perfect blend of elegant and rustic, allowing brides to play on either style. Every culinary experience at the Wanderers Club is created custom, due to the creativity and flexibility of our culinary team. Each wedding is unique to the bride’s taste, style and culinary preference.”

To learn more about booking an event at the Wanderers Club, located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington, call Garcia at (561) 795-3501 or visit www.wanderersclubwellington.com.

 

Nelson Tamargo

International Polo Club

At the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Nelson Tamargo will guide you through your special occasion.

“I have previously been a director of catering for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and in addition, I have been both a director of outlets for Sheraton and Luxury Collection properties,” he said. “In a nutshell, if food or beverage was involved, my hand was in it. I have also been a corporate trainer for the Le Méridien hotel brand of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts family.

Tamargo has worked in virtually every position possible in the restaurant and catering business, making him the ideal director of catering/food and beverage at IPC.

“I have the knowhow to share with the team, and sometimes directly myself, to make sure all who come to IPC have a memorable and meaningful visit,” he said.

Tamargo was born in Cuba to Spanish parents, and food was an important part of their lives. A career in catering came naturally to Tamargo, whose father was a chef and set the tone for Tamargo’s future.

“We traveled between Florida and Lake Placid as a child, winter in Florida and summer in Lake Placid,” he recalled. “I started working in the restaurants in Lake Placid when we were there, and the rest is history.”

Tamargo utilizes his unique skills to work with his team and create consistently elegant events for clients.

“I am honored to have the unique responsibility to be able to speak to a client from the very first inquiry on the phone, and carry that client’s vision to reality, evident in the production of a calculated, unique and elegant event each and every time,” he said.

When planning an event, such as a wedding, IPC’s 250 acres of polo fields, barns, paddocks, lakes, the private member club and large event space are sure to provide the perfect backdrop.

“IPC is a modern-day facility that believes in and knows its roots, polo, the sport of kings,” he said. “The rustic (barns and horses) and elegant (floppy hats and designer dresses) dichotomy that is polo, gives us a venue that can accommodate any style of event, from the most traditional of Argentine asados, to a high-level government affair or A-lister’s wedding. IPC has a sort of rustic charm, never overstated, never under.”

To learn more about booking an event at the International Polo Club, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, call Tamargo at (561) 282-5343 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

 

Aaron Menitoff

Wellington National Golf Club

At the new Wellington National Golf Club, Aaron Menitoff makes the impossible possible.

Menitoff, of Wellington Hospitality Group, studied at the University of Michigan. He double-majored in psychology and communications while working at restaurants to pay his way through school before attending graduate school in New York City, continuing to work in restaurants before attending the Florida Culinary Institute.

Menitoff continued in the restaurant business before opening up a gourmet catering company with concessions at local horse shows. He also did catering at the Winter Equestrian Festival prior to being recruited by the International Polo Club Palm Beach, where for 10 years he provided catering for special events, and led the Sunday brunch program.

“I recently joined Wellington National to open up the hospitality program here for the wine bar that we’re opening; the Champion’s Bistro, which is a full-service restaurant; and the banquet facility, which is the largest one in the western communities,” he said.

Additionally, Menitoff’s catering business works out of nine different Palm Beach County venues.

At Wellington National, Menitoff and his team bring their passion to your party.

Being the director of catering means taking care of guests’ needs, making their visions reality, keeping within their budget and creating a seamless event with as little stress as possible, Menitoff explained. “One of the end goals is to exceed their expectations and their guests’ expectations, where the host feels proud that their vision has been realized,” he said.

Part of what makes this possible is Menitoff’s seasoned team.

“We have extensive experience in everything from intimate dinner parties to massive large-scale event productions involving everything from valet, security, tenting, portable restrooms, mobile kitchens, food service, staffing and ticketing,” he said. “We have a well-trained team that can pull off literally any scale of event seamlessly, coming in at budget.”

Menitoff has a unique approach to the director of catering position.

“One of the things that we really believe is that people eat with their eyes first,” he said. “One of the cornerstones of our business has been that we want people, when they walk into any event, or see a food station for the first time, or a table scape, that they’re impressed by that. It’s almost a conversation piece, it’s something that’s almost to the level of entertainment itself. We’re going to add to that by adding food to it. So, it’s almost enough to have all of that without the food. Adding the food is like the icing on the cake.”

The Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. To learn more about booking an event with Menitoff, call (561) 792-9292.

 

Trinity Clark

Breakers West

At Breakers West, Trinity Clark approaches each wedding or special event as though it’s her own. Breakers West is owned by the Breakers Palm Beach, which provides a great deal of support.

“You have the ability to be creative, which I think is my favorite part of having the job here; actually having the flexibility to customize menus, really get to know the bride and groom, and really be able to bring their personalities out for their special day,” said Clark, who has been with the company for eight years.

She started as a psychology major at Florida State University before switching to an event management degree. As an intern at SunFest, Clark learned more about planning events, worked at the Breakers, worked with a wedding planner, and has been able to utilize her detail-oriented personality and creativity to help others make their day special.

“It’s nice to make people happy, because we’re in the service industry of hospitality,” Clark said. “It’s really, really rewarding when you can actually bring their ideas to life.”

Breakers West, a popular area country club, recently underwent some renovations. Marble floors were installed, and other changes were made, making Breakers West brighter and lighter.

Throughout the entire wedding process, Clark and her assistant are the coordinators, effectively eliminating the need for a wedding planner. They are the individuals receiving inquiries, setting up meetings and working with the brides to plan their fairytale wedding experience.

“The person who promised you the dream is actually the person here that day delivering it,” she said.

Working with clients, Clark said, makes them feel more comfortable and experience less stress for their big day.

“The care and the absolute effort that our team puts in to every single client, I think, is what makes us different. Of course, we have the spectacular food from the Breakers. We have the exact same piece of fish, or cut of filet, that the hotel does, just at an approachable price,” she said. “I think it’s that we’re pretty much on-site planning. You don’t have to spend the money on a wedding planner when you work with us.”

Breakers West also offers bridal shower and engagement packages. The venue is able to work with a wide variety of budgets, always treating clients like family.

“I like to think that I get married every weekend,” Clark said.

To learn more about booking an event at Breakers West, located at 1550 Flagler Parkway in West Palm Beach, call Clark at (877) 724-2045 or visit www.breakerswestclub.com.

Colors & Trends

The color and style of a room set the tone for the entire event. A wedding is no different. Couples have to make the decision early on which color scheme and décor they will use to accent their big day.

Stylish and sophisticated, bold and modern, or contemporary with bling? These are some of the big color choices trending this wedding season. Some designers have been inspired by the contrast of urban design and lush vegetation, which can lead to unexpected color combinations that both thrill and sooth guests as they enter the venue. Other trends, meanwhile, stay true to the classic whites and clean lines throughout the décor.

Whichever colors you choose to create the vibe for your wedding day, just keep in mind some of effects that colors can have. If you are going for “drama,” this can be accomplished with dark and jewel tones, like reds and black or emeralds and golden tones. Soft and subtle palettes, such as light pastels or earth tones, add a touch of “elegance.”

No matter what color choices you select, keep in mind that not every detail has to match down to the socks your groomsmen are wearing — leave some room to spice it up and add those few elements of surprise.

Some other new and returning trends include hashtags, the first look, bridal party flash mob dances and many other fun, interactive wedding entertainment. Like the Electric Slide, some of these trends will be around for a long time, while others will come and go.

For coffee addicts out there, the new trend in wedding “coffee bars” will be a favorite for many years to come. How did we not think about this years ago? Just like we expect bar service at receptions, the trend to walk up and order your favorite caffeine drink will make many guests happy.

This season’s hair accessory trend sees the return of the classic hair clip or pin-in headpiece. This traditional style of hair has come and gone before, and it is likely this trend will move on in a season or two as well.

So whether you opt for the traditional white iced cake, or adorn the top of yours with whole oranges or apples, create your own hashtag or use a hashtag generator, make your color and trend choices stand out by making them your very own.

Start Your Wedded Bliss With The Perfect Trip For All Budgets

By Joe Nasuti

A honeymoon is not only the traditional holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage in secluded intimacy as they start their life together, but also should be a welcome relief from all the planning and stress that led up to the wedding day.

However, to make the honeymoon fulfill its promise as that much-needed break for bonding at the beginning of a marriage — and an event to be remembered forever — it also requires some serious planning. Choosing the best possible location depends on couples considering the most important factors: budget, time off and agreement as to where to spend this most enjoyable time. Close-by getaways are available, from affordable to extravagant, to make that easier.

An affordable ($200-$300/night) stay-near-home option is the Hilton Hotel at CityPlace (600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). This all-new facility has beautiful rooms, al fresco dining options, a relaxing fire pit cocktail area and plenty of amenities. This 400-room, modern hotel is conveniently located, connected to the convention center and across from CityPlace. Recognized as an AAA four-diamond hotel, it’s also a marvelous place to have your wedding!

If time is your only restriction, however, you might want to consider the honeymoon package, priced at $4,900. Couples at the Hilton West Palm Beach will receive a Kama Sutra book to kick off their honeymoon, a customized picnic basket plus goodies emblazoned with their married name for a day at the beach, a private in-room sommelier class followed by dinner prepared and served by a private chef in the Honeymoon Suite, a couples massage at the Anushka Spa, champagne upon arrival, a poolside cabana for two days, a one-night stay in the Honeymoon Suite and five nights in a guest room.

Another affordable ($149-$479) near-home honeymoon suggestion that smooths over time and budget constraints is a two-day cruise on the Bahamas Paradise cruise line, which sails from the Port of Palm Beach every other day and sails overnight to Freeport in Grand Bahama. If you can afford more time, you can extend your trip by two, four or six days, staying at one of the island’s luxurious hotels and returning to West Palm Beach on the ship. The rooms are nice, the food is very good and the entertainment is highly enjoyable.

Key West is another favorite destination for nearby honeymoons. It is one of the most beautiful five-hour drives you could ever take to this unique and historic location. There are a wide variety of hotels, inns and cottages from which to choose. They include the Casa Marina ($229-$459/night), a Waldorf Astoria resort that offers direct air service from West Palm Beach to a seaplane landing at the property and back. This includes a VIP package with two pairs of Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses. This one-of-a-kind honeymoon to remember, through a VIP summer promotion, starts at only $6,250.

Another suggestion is a seven-day or 14-day cruise through the eastern and western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, and with 50 ships sailing weekly, your options are unlimited. One that’s easy to recommend from experience is Celebrity Silhouette ($646-$2,429), a newer ship that is ultra-modern, with some of the best food, rooms, activities, amenities, entertainment and ports of call throughout the Caribbean and along the Mexican coast. You will love the formal night to show off your spouse and the wonderful professional photography available on board.

If you are looking for a destination, a favorite place on the globe is Venice, Italy, and you can’t go wrong booking your honeymoon at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice ($245-$469/night). This 379-room, century-old abandoned flour mill has been beautifully restored to become one of Italy’s most luxurious hotels. Located on the Grand Canal, with a panoramic rooftop pool, it offers spectacular views of Venice. With its gondola rides, picturesque lagoon islands, world-famous St. Mark’s Square, Murano glass and Burano lace, there is no place more romantic than Venice for your dream honeymoon.

The perfect add-on is a seven-night Mediterranean cruise leaving from Venice. Try a Costa Cruises Deliziosa ($1,047-$1,797) following your honeymoon, with a $200-$400 on-board cabin credit. You can book an itinerary starting in Venice and traveling to Bari, Italy; Corfu, Santorini; Athens, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and returning to Venice.

Finally, if money is no option, how about an around-the-world, 180-day cruise on the Oceania Insignia? This is a cruise that retails for $194,807 per person available now starting at $39,999 per person, sailing from Miami on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 and returning to Miami on Thursday, July 6, 2017. You will be in the lap of luxury on one of the most prestigious ships available to cruise the seven seas. On this trip, you and your spouse will pass through the Panama Canal and visit Mexico, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Fiji, Wellington (New Zealand), Sidney, Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, New York City, Bermuda and Miami. This is truly around the world with more than 100 ports of call, the trip of a lifetime and the most exotic honeymoon conceivable.

Whatever destination you choose for your honeymoon, from the most affordable local escapes to the most exotic adventures, we sincerely wish that you both have the time of your life and a long, healthy, prosperous and loving life together — in other words, an endless honeymoon!

Event Helps Petals With Purpose Give Flowers New Life

Story and Photos by Julie Unger

Beautiful flowers, sweet treats and an expansive buffet recently took over the Wellington National Golf & Equestrian Club during Bubbles & Bouquets, a special fundraiser for Petals With Purpose.

The local nonprofit was created by Brittany Agro in 2012 with her husband, Stephen Halbrook. Agro noticed that after special events, such as weddings, flowers were going to waste, when they could be repurposed. She created Petals With Purpose to share these flowers with youth organizations, hospitals, nursing homes, shelters and hospice facilities.

“Petals With Purpose recycles more than just flowers, it recycles happiness and promotes love for one another,” Agro explained. “That is what this organization is all about, and that is why it is special to me.”

Bubbles & Bouquets is an annual competition where five philanthropist couples from the community compete against each other to see who can create the most beautiful floral arrangement.

Bubbles & Bouquets Chair Jay Zeager became involved through his friendship with Agro. “The thing that I like about Petals With Purpose is it’s a charity that’s really about putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said.

Zeager helps deliver the flowers and explained what an amazing experience it can be. For example, Zeager once brought an arrangement to a VA hospital and got to spend time with a veteran, who told Zeager his story about Vietnam.

“I’m just sitting here, listening to this, thinking, ‘Wow, this guy’s gone through so much in life,’” Zeager recalled. “When I got up to leave, he shook my hand and said ‘Thank you very much for coming by to see me. I love my flowers.’ I thought, OK, that’s why we do this.”

Bubbles & Bouquets is one of the fundraisers that makes it all possible. It’s a fun event for everyone involved.

“It’s something different than what has been done before,” Zeager explained. “We wanted to come up with something unique — something that the couples would have fun doing.”

After the inaugural event in 2015, couples were already asking to participate in 2016. “My goal is to get it to where it is an event that people look forward to every year,” Zeager said.

This year’s couples — Camryn Del Rio Linton and Omari Linton, Karyn and Evan Turk, Christie and Bettina Gannon, Ryan Beckett and Brittany Miller, and Shay and John Discepolo — worked hard to arrange flowers donated by Wellington Florist.

Christie and Bettina Gannon, with help from some young friends, won the competition. “I sincerely thank those who supported us, especially the families who lent their daughters for the design competition, and everyone who attended,” Christie said. “The people, the flowers, the incredible brunch and a wonderful cause, it was a beautiful event. I was honored to have the first-place arrangement. Honestly, the kids did an amazing job putting it together.”

Bettina had a great time and was all smiles during Bubbles & Bouquets, holding her own with the adults, and showing off her artistic abilities.

“I had so much fun,” the young philanthropist said. “The different colors and shapes were awesome, and my friends were so good at putting the flowers in just the right places.”

When it was announced that the Gannons won, Bettina and her friends danced and hugged in celebration.

The other participants also enjoyed the day.

“Omar and I have participated in many events for causes that make a special impact in the local community,” Del Rio Linton said. “With the many extravagant events that take place throughout the county, how brilliant of Brittany to come up with the idea of repurposing the amazing floral arrangements from those events, and use them to put a smile on the faces of an elderly person or a veteran.”

Beckett and Miller met on the day of the event, so they didn’t have the benefit of advanced planning. Considering the overhead costs of large events, Miller believes that Petals With Purpose is a special way to minimize waste and give flowers a new life, while Beckett found the premise to be intriguing.

“There are a bunch of charities, and all of them are amazing on different levels for what they do, but when you have the ability and are fortunate enough to actually see what your time, effort and dollars are going for, that’s definitely amazing,” Beckett said.

For the Turks, participating was personal. “My mom is in a nursing home,” Karyn said. “I realize the impact that a visit, or just a simple ‘hello’ with some flowers, can make in the day of a person who is in a facility.”

She was eager to get involved. “When I heard about it, I thought about all of the people who are in the same facility as my mom,” Karyn said. “A lot of them don’t get visitors. A lot of them, their families are up north, or their families are just busy. It can just brighten somebody’s day and just makes such a huge difference.”

Shay and John Discepolo enjoyed competing. “Participating in the event was great,” John said. “We both had a great time raising money for a great cause. I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat.”

Aaron Menitoff of Aaron’s Catering of the Palm Beaches was a participant last year and helped sponsor this year’s event. “It went fantastic. It was a great turnout,” he said. “The event provided a fun, different experience with delicious food and beverages during an afternoon where attendees could socialize, have fun and be part of a competition making flower arrangements.”

Petals With Purpose is special to Aaron and his wife Julie, who work together in the catering industry. “It’s not curing cancer, but it is making someone’s quality of life more meaningful and allowing them to feel as important and worthwhile as possible,” he said.

Next year, Petals With Purpose will be celebrating its fifth anniversary, so Bubbles & Bouquets will be extra special, Agro said.

For more information, call (561) 223-9129 or visit www.petalswithpurpose.org.