The Keren Lifrak Blog

When a client starts an article testimonial with: "Having the perfect planner could make all the differenece" on a national feature on The Knot Magazine's Luxe Wedding List, there's just nothing left to say. Hapiness!!! We are so delighted. thank you Ashley and Jaime -- and thank you The Knot editors. To see the spread inside... click here http://elements.kerenlifrak.com/documents/user/tkm12sufl_rw_ashleyjaime.pdf

Here is just one quick snapshot from Rietje and Sam's beautiful wedding at the Longboat Key Hilton Resort this past Saturday.

Despite having to move to the backup plan due to stormy weather, this bride & groom took it in stride and their love for one another brightened the day for all involved.

So many gorgeous details (but what else would you expect from a talented pair of graphic artists?): birds galore - on the table numbers, custom napkins, and in the centerpieces, cheery teal blue & yellow accents, delicious mini-cupcakes, and so much more. Can't wait to share the photos by Mandy and Me Studio!

Congratulations Sam & Rietje! We loved being a part of your special day.

While I'm waiting for the "real" pictures from the Vue chicks for this magnificent 1920's November Wedding at the Ringling Museum, I borrowed this photos from Diva Productions, the video artists. I have one word for the record: FEATHERS. Seriously now, this was a super fun wedding to work on because the bride and groom trusted us so completely that we got to play around, show our true colors (yes, just like the Peacock!) and do what we do best plan and design events! More detailed pictures to come soon.

Jennifer and Christian came to Sarasota to get married at the Ca d'Zan from LA. Not only was it a super sweet wedding (literally... candy bar and all) but I couldn't have asked to work with sweeter people who deserved a perfect wedding. The couple works at Lionsgate (yes... that Lionsgate... "Mad Men" and all), and has impeccable taste!! Jennifer's Mom recruited all of grandma's vintage broaches to the occasion for her rehearsal bouquet and everything from Jenn's bridal version of "Over the Rainbow" shoes (that was played during the ceremony, naturally), to the vintage Rolls-Royce and catering by Treviso. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have your pictures taken by the super talent Kitty Cat -- Cat Pennenga Photography which just makes the memories so much sweeter! I can't wait to see the rest of it! Stay tuned.

You MUST check out the rest of Ashley and Jaime's engagement photos, taken by the truly magnificent Genya, owner of Vue Photography in Miami. What a fun shoot we had, discovering little nooks and crannies in Sarasota. Other than being scrumptiously whimsical and fun -- these seem like classics to me. She is never going to worry about her dress looking out of style... and the "bicikleta" in the background only adds old world charm. I'm psyched about this wedding!

Laurel Oak hosted a wedding show two Sundays ago. As I always like to help brides during this overwhelming process... and especially during this economy, we offered a few raffle items which included a discount on our complete wedding planning services, day of coordination and floral design items. The winners were: Jill Harrison, Kristen Treni, Reah Frank and Catie Pellegrino. Congratulations!!

Photos: Blonde Cow Photography

Stacey and Ashley's wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota this summer was just as Stacey had discribed her vision "a dreamy, fairlytale forest." To achieve this we focused on thick bundles of curley willow both on the Chuppah and on the centerpieces and hung clsusters of hanging votives everywhere. The flowers were a mix of Hydrangeas, Phylanopsis Orchids, garden roses in ivory and blush and touches of vintage beads in gold and black. The mothers carried mini bouquets of Peonies with a black and white pattern ribbon and for the cocktail hour, simple yet stunning bouquets of coral peonies gave the tables the pop of color they needed.

I visited my friend Nicoll Bacharach's business the other day and found myself having quite a unique experience -- a relaxing technique called "Brain Training." http://www.equilibriumnow.com/. While this method is mainly used for harmonizing and balancing the brain for those who are dealing with traumatic experiences, sleep issues, anxiety, and other life challenging issues, it is also used to simply reduce general stress. I thought to myself, what a great way to calm the mind before your wedding! 

The treatment takes place on a super comfy chair. Electrodes that read your brain waves are placed on your head (you don't feel a thing). They are processed through a computer and translated to lovely and intriguing sounds that are played back to you through ear-phones and re-align your brain wave pattern. Fascinating.

As a wedding and event planner, I'm always faced with stressful situations during the planning process (all those moments that you are spared when you hire me :)). I always try to find new ways for my clients to relax and enjoy the several weeks prior to the big day. I thought I would share this one with you.

Cat and Greg's sweet and personal wedding story tying them to the Crosley Estate in Sarasota, FL -- and the beautiful photos of their utterly charming wedding -- has won us a feature in The Knot Magazine this season. Regina Mountjoy of www.Recherche-Photography.com in Colorado was a big part of this masterplan. Regina's vintage, eclectic yet worldly sense of style has captured these magnificant moments, Cat's vision and our floral and decor elements beautifully. Blog: www.Recherche-Photography.com/blog. My favorite thing about working with Cat and Greg on their wedding was that, aside from both of them being my friends, as artists they also possess a fantastic sense of style. It wasn't hard to enjoy the creative process, knowing that they will love the end results. Their down to earth, loving family and friends made the ceremony and entire event so moving and intimate. Everyone wanted to contribute. Cat's Mom made the lacey table runners and Greg's brother sang during the ceremony. One of my favorite touches was Cat's family's sepia photos from moments in their home at the Crosley Museum, accompanied by personal stories printed on cards that were casually placed on the dinner tables for guests to enjoy. To read the whole article go to The Knot 2010 on our press page: http://www.kerenlifrak.com/press/.