We are now on Facebook!

We have now opened a separate page on Facebook for International Event Design. We will be providing updates and news to all our fans through the wonderful world of Facebook as well as through our blog. Become a fan!!! Here is a link to our page for your convenience. CLICK HERE

Christmas Jazz On The Green Event

The first annual Christmas Jazz on the Green Festival at the Miami Baptist Church grounds will be held on Sunday December 13th, 2009. This Christmas Jazz festival brings the best in smooth jazz music, great food, refreshments and fun activities for the children. Come and take part of the tree lighting during the concert as well. This event is open to the public and over 2,000 people with purchased tickets are expected to attend.

We are collecting new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the United States Marine Corp. This program provides a Christmas gift to a needy child in our community and we are proud to contribute to this cause. For more information on this event or if you are interested in becoming a vendor and sharing your business information and services with those attending please visit http://www.christmasonthegreen.com/

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic basket... relax under the sun and stars while you dance and enjoy the music at Miami's Christmas Jazz On The Green!! See you there!

We are now partnered with Fitness Factory!

International Event Design has joined forces with Fitness Factory to provide personal training services to our clients. Julia Senior, the owner of the gym Fitness Factory, is an energetic and motivating personal trainer. She has been in the fitness world for many years and she has won many body building competitions around the country. Her gym provides a variety of classes such as spinning classes, kick boxing, boot camp and many more. Her gym is so interesting!! The members know each other, they become friends and they feel like they are at home there. It's truly an incredible place.

Julia is now on board with us to provide our clients unique services to help our brides reach their diet and training goals for their wedding. One of the unique services that we have put together is the food shopping assistance class. This is a two hour course and an opportunity to take a trip with Julia to the supermarket to learn what to buy and what to leave at the shelves. She will show you items that you could purchase in order to make delicious diet meals that are part of her personal recipe's as well as teach you about calorie, fat and salt intake. The first class is scheduled for Friday December 11th. If you are interested in starting the year on the right track and make good and that new years resolution that keeps on repeating itself year after year, give us a call... this is a good way to get ready for January 1st, 2010.

There are many other services that we have planned for you!! Starting January 2010 you will be able to pick up your meals for dinner!! With your busy schedules we realize that it is hard to keep away from passing by and picking up something quick and fattening. Julia will make sure you eat healthy and she will keep you on track to meet your desired target by creating these meals for you. We also have "Bridal Boot Camp" where brides could workout with Julia and her bridesmaids as a group. We find that working out with a partner or with friends keeps one motivated and interested in working out. This is also a great opportunity to spend time with your girls prior to the wedding. Last but not least her gym will also provide salsa classes starting in January, 2010, so why not exercise and practice those dance moves at the same time!

Join me in welcoming Julia to our team!! Thanks Julia for all you do.

TRUNK "R TREAT at Miami Baptist Church

Hello friends and fellow industry partners.

The Holiday's are approaching and this is the time of the year when we all give back and support worthwhile events in our community. This year I want to feature the Miami Baptist Church. They host the Trunk "R Treat Halloween Festival event every year. With the support of local State Representatives they have been able to put together an event for all the children and families in the community full of fun, games, bounce houses, wall climbing, slides and loads of candy. Thousands of people participate during Halloween and they come back year after year.

This year due to the economy and the many cut backs in our city's budget they are hoping to get the support from local business and friends in order to provide the community a safe location to bring their families to have tons of fun during this day.

I invite everyone to participate by donating candy for the children this year!! You could call me at our office number 786 338-9090 and I would be happy to take this in for you. You could also contact the church directly at 305 388-8059. If you wish to give more to this event please feel free to contact them, your assistance is welcomed.

We hope to see you there!!!! Therefore.... put on that costume, decorate your car trunk, fill it with candy and come on by October 31st from 6:00-9:00pm for a great Halloween night!!!

Miami Baptist Church
14955 SW 88 St.

Miami, Fl. 33196

Wedding at the Biltmore Hotel

I never comment about the weddings that we handle. But this time I must write just a little something about this wonderful wedding and this incredible family. First of all this is a family full of history. They are founders of the Greek Orthodox Church in Coral Gables and due to their many contributions a part of the church is named after them.

Planning this wedding has been incredibly fun. Although they do not live in Miami anymore the moments they came down to visit were full of fun and laughter. The parents are the most funniest people I have ever met and I thank them for handing over the responsibility of making this weekend unforgettable. Starting with their first event, the rehearsal dinner at the Yacht club, to the spectacular wedding and then finishing the following day with the morning after brunch, I must say everything was breathtaking. I must thank the team of vendors that participated in this wedding... From the Biltmore Staff, Petal Productions, AB Cover designers, Karla Lola, Ambrosio photoagraphy (pictures provided above) and my staff... you guys were great.

Ohhhh.... and I was invited to Greece next year for the parents 50th wedding anniversary!!

Hispanic American Heritage Night

The First Annual Hispanic American Heritage Night to be held in Homestead will be hosted at the Keys Gate Golf and Country Club on July 18th, 2009. This event promises to be the event of the year!!

The day will kick off with the First Annual Camacho Cup Golf Tournament at 9:00am. Prizes will be awarded to the best golfers. Later in the evening you will enjoy dancing under the stars with a cool mojito in hand listening to the sounds of Tito Puente Jr. and other latin orchestras. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cigar packs, top shelf drinks, cigar rollers and a midnight paella. You will also have the opportunity to join a domino tournament and take advantage of raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds of the silent auction will benefit a local non-profit organization named Project S.O.S in Homestead.

Join the staff of International Event Design on July 18th, 2009 starting at 6:00pm for an enchanting evening. For reservations call Keys Gate Country Club at 305 484-9678. See you there!!

Weddings

I do not post pictures of weddings on our blog. I have preferred to post about community activities, networking events and any company news. I am making an exception and I am posting some wonderful pictures (as per the request of many) of one of our weddings held at the Deering Estate. Other pictures of this wedding are featured on Alain Martinez Photography's Blog.

If you are wondering why the money signs on the wall for their first dance..... well... there last name is Money. Really!

Grand Opening of White Space

The grand opening of White Space was amazing. It was the best Elite Bridal Network yet!! Above are some of the amazing pictures. Some taken by NeoArt Photography.

Spoken Soul Festival 2009

The Spoken Soul Festival is a three day event celebrating women artist in our community. This event will take place March 27th through the 29th in Miami Florida. This event will help us all recognize the wonderful work that our women artists are doing in our community. The public will have a chance to see the work created by numerous women, they will have the opportunity to make donations to their favorite women artists, and most of all they will be inspired to seek out the work of these wonderful artists.

One of the events featured this weekend is the Swan Spoken Showcase Event, which will take place on Saturday the 28th. Some of the featured artist are: echo-industrial artist Carson, Performance artist Deborah Magdalena, fine artist Diana Pique, multi-media artist Ivette Ortiz, Comedian Sabrina Cohen, lead singer from Elastic Bond Sofy Encanto and many others. There will be an after party where one of Miami’s favorite Latin funk 10-piece band SUENALO will perform LIVE and the event will be hosted by MEGA 949 on-air personality "Chanel". This event will take place at the Transit Lounge located at 729 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130 and it is open to the public. For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/spokensoulshowcase we hope that you join us in supporting this event. See you there!!

Elite Bridal Networking Event

The March Elite Bridal Networking event was held last night at the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale. It was a great evening surrounded by many business partners. We are all greatful to Stephanie, Ela and Alex for putting these events together. We had great food, spectacular capuccino's from Cafe a La Carte and most of all wonderful conversations. I am looking forward to the next one.

Picture above: Stephanie Bosco from Brides.com and Brides magazine, Alexandra Agostini from UpLyte, Monica Porrata, CEO of International Event Design and Ela Raveling from Neoart Photography

The Above The Rim 3 on 3 Challenge

We are currently working with MDI Sports and Miami Dade College to host a fundraiser to support the ECMO program at Miami Children's Hospital. The "Above the Rim 3 on 3 Challenge" event will take place on July 18th, 2009. Teams from across the country will be participating to compete for the title of Souh Florida's Best and for a gran prize of $5,000.

We have been contacted by the Miami Heat and we are now in meetings with them as to their participation and collaboration in this event. We will be meeting at the American Airlines Arena tonight and they have provided Miami Heat tickets for my staff to attend tonights game as well.

We are happy to be a part of this worthy cause and we are looking forward to working with MDI Sports, Miami Dade College and now our very own Miami Heat.

Homestead Air Reserve Base Firefighters Picnic

A picnic was held at the Air Reserve Base in Homestead, Florida on February 21, 2009 for the firefighters of the Air Reserve Base. The day was filled with activities for the firefighters and their families. Games were organized by MDI sports and awards were handed out to those who won the events. It was a day full of fun and comradery.

It is wonderful to see a group of our very best come together and enjoy a day outside of their stations and bunkers. We thank them for their work and dedication to our country and to the Air Reserve Base.

I also want to thank JP Productions for joining us and providing the music for this event.

The Brides Choice Award

It was just announced that International Event Design has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award! The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes and honors vendors from the Martha Stewart and WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of Martha Stewart and WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means International Event Design is one of the very best in the wedding and event planning industry.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews. Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer stated, “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

Monica Porrata and her staff at International Event Design would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

Photo shoot with KT Merry Photography

As some of you know I had some pictures taken by KT Merry photography last week. I have to admit at first I was stressing over this photo shoot but she made me feel comfortable so quickly. Katie made it so much fun. We laughed and talked through the whole thing.

If you or your groom do not feel comfortable in front of a camera it is a great idea to do an engagement session prior to your wedding day. Spend some time having fun with your photographer before your special day. You will get to know him or her better and by the time your wedding day arrives all the shyness is gone.

My pictures are featured on her website in the blog section. Take a look and see what she has to say. I thank KT Merry for the pictures. Next time I will bring the wine and cheese!!

Rent a cabin in the woods

My friend Michelle and her family own these beautiful homes in North Carolina in the middle of all the ski resorts. The homes are located on the area of Boone, Foscoe and Seven Devils. She is making these homes available for vacationers and all the friends and partners of International Event Design. If you are interested in renting one of these homes for a winter vacation contact us and we will provide you all the contact information.

Cupcakes for favors

Lola's Cupcakery will soon to be on Las Olas. I fell in love with their beautiful presentation at the Brides.com event at the Palms. They place these great cupcakes in these gorgeous individual boxes that make a great alternative to the usual wedding favors that almost always end up in the garbage. Needless to say the cupcakes are delicious as well. They come in over 20 flavors, such as: Red Velvet, Key Lime, Rocky Road, even Margarita! Let me also add that they are affordable.... with a dozen starting at $39! Also if you are looking for a great present to give a fellow partner or friend why not send them cupcakes!!! I am sure they will love the gesture.

Pictures provided by KT Merry Photography.

Fundraiser for Miami Children's Hospital

International Event Design has been asked to put together a fundraiser for Miami Children's Hospital on behalf of MDI Sports. MDI Sports provides year around sports league programs for the children in our community. Their company also conducts basketball tournaments in Miami Dade County and Broward for adults. The event will take place on April 3rd and 4th in 2009. We are proud to have been given the opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause. The proceeds of this event will be used to support the ECMO program at Miami Children's Hospital and assist them to continue to provide the best pediatric care in South Florida.

Broadcast your event live via Internet

We are happy to announce that we are now offering a new service to all our clients. International Event Design is now partnered with N-Vivo, a company owned by Fernando Arau, host of Despierta America, the early morning show on Univision. Our clients will be able to share their events live via Internet anywhere in the world. Now your family and friends could share those special moments even if they are not able to attend.

International Event Design and Permanent Shows

I was invited to a meeting with the CEO of Permanent Shows yesterday afternoon. We discussed how International Event Design could work with their company in managing their events. Permanent Shows is an event production company that handles TV, film and video production. They also manage big events such as concerts, comedy shows, theoretical plays, fashion shows, corporate events and elite weddings. Since they are involved with TV and film they are also a talent management company, which manages actors, musicians, directors and producers.

I have been offered to take on the position of Director of Events for Permanent Shows. I am taking this offer into consideration and will notify them shortly of my decision.

Sunset Cove Event

I truly had a great time last night. We had some great entertainment and most of all I enjoyed spending some time with our business partners. I even got a small henna design on my arm. In Indian wedding ceremonies mostly traditional Indian designs are made on the hands of the bride. These traditional designs are elaborate and detailed. Other than the ethnic and conventional designs for the bride you can opt for contemporary designs, which are sleek and fashionable. I always wanted to try it. KT Merry Photography took some pictures while I was getting it done and I will try to share it soon.

Get ready for your office Holiday Party

Want to plan your last- minute office party? Want to take advantage that your boss is out of the office on vacation to make your office environment fun!! If you are limited and cannot have an all elaborate affair you could still plan the happy hour blowout of the year. Check out the 100 web tools to plan a party posted on this blog "Career Overview"

International Event Design at the Biltmore Hotel

The Wedding Salon event at the Biltmore Hotel on November 10, 2008 was once more a spectacular event. This is the most exclusive wedding event in Miami and we were happy to have attended the evening with some of our clients. It was great to see some of our friends and partners there and introduce our clients to some of our favorite vendors. Tatiana Byron and her staff did a wonderful job. Tatiana Byron has organized and produced events for some of the world's most talented entertainers and noteworthy charitable causes such as Edwin Gould Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation. Ms. Byron has also worked with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and his record label, Bad Boy Entertainment for the 2002 MTV Music Video Awards.

Picture above: Katie from KT Merry Photography, Elizabeth, representative from the Cayman Islands, Tatiana Byron, president and founder of 4PM Events and Monica Porrata, president and founder of International Event Design.

Elite Networking Group

I was looking for the exact day of the next networking event with Brides.com so that I could update our blog with our new upcoming events. As I was logging into their blog I noticed that they have posted a picture of us at the Palms event. Thank you ladies!! If you are a part of this exciting event planning industry and would like to participating in this elite wedding professional networking group please look at their blog for information http://www.bridesinthelimelight.blogspot.com/

The Knot and Wedding Channel

We are happy to announce that we are now set to appear on the Wedding Channel, The Knot and Party Spot on December 1st, 2008. We are very excited to start the new year featured in these great websites. Look for our add there shortly.

I also want to welcome Yesenia to our team at International Event Design, she is our new Marketing and Media Coordinator. WELCOME YESENIA!!!!

CARTIER PARIS!!

I recently received a letter from Cartier Paris thanking me for shopping at their location during my trip to Paris and notifying me that they would be interviewing me in order to inquire as to my experience as a customer of Cartier. They actually called me and I had a very pleasant conversation with the Managing Director of Europe. After she inquired further as to the details of International Event Design and my other company Dash of Style they have become interested in working with us and our customers. I am happy to announce that the customers of International Event Design will now receive a 10% discount with Cartier. This offer is valid through the Christmas Holidays. What a nice Christmas present!! Call me for the details! Other offers will become available throughout the coming year.

The perfect wedding guide at the Marriott Hotel

I attended the perfect wedding guide event at the Marriott Dadeland on November 2, 2008. I had the pleasure of attending the event with two of my clients, Maria and Ariel. I would like to thank Lourdes Ramos from the Marriott for the invitation and for the VIP tickets that she extended to me and my clients. We had a great time at the fashion show.

Brides.com Event at the Palms in South Beach

I attended the Brides.com event yesterday. It was a wonderful time. The Palms Hotel provided a beautiful venue for this event with an open bar throughout the night. The vendors that presented were outstanding. I truly enjoyed Donut Divas, I have to admit I am not a donut fan but these miniature donuts were incredible.. I had to stop myself!! Lola's Cupcakery- what could I say.. I'm speechless, I love the presentation, the packaging is beautiful, what a great idea for favors. Everybody did an incredible job.

We wanted to thank both Stephanie and Ela for inviting us and we look forward to seeing you soon at the Sea Aquarium in December for the next networking event.

Above picture: My good friend Addy Nunez owner of Do Me a Favor, Stephanie Bosco-Luca from Brides.com and Monica Porrata

A Gift For Our Clients

On November 10, 2008 the Wedding Salon will host a luxury bridal event at the Biltmore Hotel. International Event Design has been provided with complimentary tickets for our exclusive clients. Come and join an elite group of wedding professionals and enjoy the day with us. To ensure you receive your ticket please email us with your current address, wedding date, and phone number. We will not be able to accommodate everyone so please email us your interest in this special gift as soon as possible.

The International Fighting Campionship Event was a great success

On October 11, 2008 the International Fighting Championship kickboxing event was held at the Sheraton in Miami. The event was great!! The floor plan was put together nicely providing the VIP purchased tickets with front row seats all around the boxing ring. We had 6 bars throughout the floor to accommodate the big crowd and staff throughout the event ensuring great customer service. Over 800 people came out to the event. The evening was full of excitement with everyone cheering their favorite fighters. Next kickboxing event will be announced soon.

Picture above: Kevin Cardona and Diego Molinari owners of International Fighting Championship and Kinte Promotions with Danay Sanchez and Monica Porrata

The Wedding Salon invites International Event Design to participate in their Focus Group

On October 6th I was cordially invited to participate in a focus group hosted by the Wedding Salon and 4pm Events at the Woodbine Villa in Coconut Grove. The group consisted of a very carefully selected group of vendors that included Tatiana Byron from the wedding Salon, KT from KT Merry photography, Elizabeth Antunes from Elizabeth Antunes photography, Julie Nissa Block from Master Musicians, Darryl Gilbert from DJ Retro, Glen Macarthur from Rays of Light, Christian Sarquis from Gansevoort South, Katy and Marc Benichou from Bubble, a distinctive furniture rental company, Heather Minsky from Smile South Florida and myself, Monica Porrata. Between our nine companies and the Wedding Salon we shared our marketing tips and trends as well as networked with each other. It was a wonderful meeting with a great group of people. A cocktail party followed where about 65 other vendors participated including other wedding planners in South Florida. It was a great evening.

October 1st Website Launch Party

On October 1st, 2008 we launched our new website!! We were joined by our closest friends and family to celebrate. Visit us at http://www.internationaleventdesign.com/ Our gallery and music will be added shortly. Take a look!! I hope you enjoy it.

Macy's and International Event Design Network Lunch July 30th

We were invited by Macy's executives today to discuss the bridal industry in South Florida. We brainstormed on how International Event Design, and other selected wedding planners in South Florida could work together with Macy's, learn from each other and collaborate. It was a great conversation and a wonderful lunch at the Cheesecake factory in Dadeland mall. We met the vice president of Macy's who flew in from New York for our meeting. We are looking forward to working closer with Macy's.

Network Event hosted by the Miami Executive Aviation July 16th

International Event Design attended a network event hosted by the Miami Executive Aviation on July 16th, 2008. In attendance were all private aviation related companies. They invited International Event Design as the only event planning firm to the event. We were taken to a tour of their hanger which they have used for music videos and movies in the past. This is a newly renovated state of the art facility with over 70,000 sq. ft. of hanger space. International Event Design will now be using this facility for our very big events such as runway shows, boxing events, etc. We have also partnered with executive air services who provides individuals and executives with exceptional services through their aircraft charter operations. If you need a private jet just let us know!!

Destination Weddings

International Event Design, LLC specializes in destination weddings in Europe, South America and the Caribbean. We bring you the experience of all our travels to provide your South Florida Wedding with an innovative, creative and enthusiastic service. From a casual intimate Dinner to a black tie affair in Paris, we have many packages to fit your needs. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.

Why should you hire a wedding or event planner?

Nowadays hiring a wedding and event planner is no longer just for the rich and famous. It is already difficult to juggle a full time job and all the other every day activities. There is so much involved in planning a perfect event and as expected it is very time consuming. Having someone there for your peace of mind, someone that you trust and have complete confidence in to guide you throughout the planning process and the execution of your wedding day is priceless. Also, having someone there as your voice to handle the vendors and to ensure that everything goes well on your wedding day is crucial. We also have the resources, the time, the knowledge and the most reliable vendors in the industry.