Learning from the Best

Pictured above, Colin Cowie and me in November 2008 at the Association of Bridal Consultants annual conference

Have I told you lately that I love my job? Sometimes my job is about the planning and executing weddings and events, sometimes it's about keeping up on current trends and fashion and sometimes it's about learning from the best in the business.

Almost two years ago, while I was attending the Association of Bridal Consultants annual conference, Colin Cowie, one of the top event designers in the world, was the keynote speaker. I was all ears to hear him speak! His work as a designer is incredibly creative, inspiring and influential. Hailing from South Africa, Colin Cowie is a published best selling author and his client list includes A-list celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta and you name it....the list goes on and on. You can say that I'm a fan of his work! :)

During his speaking session at the conference, he surprised (and delighted!) everyone when he announced he was going to auction off a personal apprenticeship that would involve working on location with him at one of his events (with proceeds going to a charitable organization within the Association of Bridal Consultants). Wow.

I was determined to win that auction. I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to learn from the top in my field... someone who I consider the best of the best. And so, I won the auction. :)

Tomorrow, my adventure begins. I'm flying out to LA to work with him and his team on a large corporate event. I hope to be inspired but also learn practical things that I can apply in my own business that will make me better at what I do.

I'll be posting updates about how the trip is going on the Viva Bella Events Facebook page, if you'd like to follow along!

I can't wait to share everything I'm going to learn. Have I mentioned I'm excited?

More to come!

A Miami Merger

"When two hearts beat as one and both attended Miami, it's a Miami Merger."

Amber and Michael are a classic Miami Merger. Legend has it that two students who kiss under the lantern of the Upham Arch at Miami University at Midnight are destined to be married.


Their destined wedding was last November in Cincinnati, Ohio. Amber incorporated the historic lantern into the theme of their wedding. She and her mother, Mary, chose a silhouette of the lantern for the invitations, ceremony program, escort cards and with the popcorn favors for the guests. It was all done with just the right touch!

Below is Amber, pictured with her mother, getting ready for the big day!

Sam Hills, hair stylist extraordinaire of the High Five Salon, was on hand to make sure Amber looked her best. Amber's make up was done by Brideface.

Pictured below is Amber enjoying a moment with her bridesmaids.

I've mentioned before that I love, love, love Amber's dress. It is a Romona Keveza and made our favorites list this year. It was unique yet simply elegant.



Amber and Michael were married at the historic Plum Street Temple in downtown Cincinnati. If you have ever been there, you know it is absolutely stunning inside. Leppert Photography did an awesome job capturing the beauty of the Temple.



The couple had a a custom Ketubah created by Julie Staller-Pentelnik of JSP Judaic Art. Just one of many personal touches that made their day so special!



The reception was held at the Hall of Mirrors in the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Another spectacular, historic location! The fall colored flowers (Sprouts Floral Design) and lighting (Goodwin) brought the room to life.

The cake (Dessert Works) was delicious as was beautiful!

This couple knew how to have fun. I think the Hora (a traditional Jewish dance of celebration) went on for 45 minutes!


It's always nice to see the bride and groom (and their families) happy at the end of their special day. It makes all the planning, fun, and stress worth it when the day goes exactly as planned. I wish Amber and Michael a wonderful life together!

Below is a highlight of their day produced by Lifetime Films.

An Epic Wedding Trailer from Lifetime Films on Vimeo.