OPA! Greek/Venezuelan Weddings are FUN!

Who says you can't make the most of both cultures? On January 31, we had the unique opportunity to be a part of the Conde/Papadopoulos wedding at The Palms, South Beach. I met the couple about two months ago and it was a roller coaster ever since! I was first informed that they would be married in a Greek Church, that the groom had a best man that was actually a woman, or as the Greeks call it a koumbara, and there would be plate breaking! Wedding planners live for this kind of stuff. Then, we get the the next loop on the ride: the bride is pregnant! But, it doesn't end there....

Next, we find out that they will also be celebrating the Venezuelan tradition of "Cotillion". For those of you who haven't seen something like this before, it is a real treat. Under each table, we place a big white box full of funny glasses, noisemakers, hats, wigs, funny headbands, and other crazy and loud items. Before the end of the night, the DJ makes a loud announcement. The bride and groom disappear (with some sly magician work on behalf of the wedding planners) and re-enter the ballroom with the most ridiculous attire. For our Nico and Carla, I think they were going for Elvis and his "BABE". In the circle of fun, Miguel Irias of Miguel Irias Photography took some amazing shots and let me tell you I have no idea how he got around the huge crowd of guests overtaking the dance floor. Miguel, your awesome.

This is what us Wedding Planners live for: a beautiful in love couple about to start their journey together and a little piece of their journey included us. Thank you Nico and Carla for letting us throw rose petals, where funny glasses, and most of all getting to know you as not just clients but also as friends.

Mehndi Party: New, fun idea for any Bride!

When my friend got married, she didn't want to go to the all-night strip joint and bar hopping scene. She had something different in mind. After traveling to India extensively, she had it in her mind that a Mehndi Party was more of what she had in mind. Having never been to a Mehndi Party, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew there would be Henna, but I knew nothing about it's importance or how darn fun it is!

Different regions of India celebrate it in their own ways with their own marriage customs. But now, it is been excepted into the American culture as a fun pre-wedding ritual. Typically, the bride gets together with her female friends and family right before she gets married. She gets adorned with henna tattoos all over her hands and feet, so she looks beautiful on her wedding day. In Indian culture, it is said that the darker the stain left behind, the deeper the love between the bride and the groom. In American society, many brides tend to have their Mehndi about a month prior so that the henna has worn off, but it's totally up to you.

Henna tattoos are all natural but not at all permanent. The henna only stains the outer layer of the skin, so it lasts 2-4 weeks.The chocolate-colored paste is applied with a cone (kind of like baker's use for decorating cakes) or with a thin stick. The designs are intricate and can take hours to apply. The bride has to sit and wait for the paste to dry and set, so if she needs anything, all her gal pals take care of her. Not only does the bride apply henna paste but also her family and friends. It's quite the party!

Make sure you hire a professional artist to work out the intricate details and beautiful designs. Traditional bridal patterns include peacocks and paisleys- symbolic of passion. You can also make your own traditions. Some brides have their husbands initials hidden in the designs, and the couple is not considered officially married until the groom finds them. It's also said that as long as the henna is on a woman's hands she doesn't have to do any wifely duties. Too bad it doesn't last longer!

Lastly, to keep the party fun, female members sing and dance to celebrate the occasion. The party should end with a dinner party for everyone.

Quick tips if your interested in having your own party: Contact your local tattoo parlor, spiritual bookstore, yoga studio or salon. Some receommendations are:

Shumaila
Miami, FL

Phone: (786) 573-9309

e-mail: hennaart@hotmail.com

Little Henna Girl
Miami, FL

Phone: (305) 443-5322

e-mail: joolsveg@ispchannel.com

RYNCTA PRODUCTIONS, INC. First Wedding a Success!

After a year of planning our first bride and groom's wedding, we must say, WOO HOO and FUNNNN! Everyone in this wedding was so fun to work with. From the Orchids in Martini Glasses courtesy of Pearl at The Blonde Tulip to the amazing photojournalistic work of David at DHG Photography, this is a wedding I know we won't forget. Not to mention, 90 year old Abuelos dancing the night away! This is why we do what we do. We enjoy making a couple's dream come to life and watching them live it. To the bride and groom: Thanks for treating us like family and letting us be a part of the memory that starts your life together forever!