Thanks for a great weekend! It was awesome and you really
made our day special and stress free. Thank you Soooo
much. Everything was perfect. Obviously due to the weather,
we would have preferred to have the ceremony outdoors
but you and the team at the Don did a great job in making
a quick adjustment. Thanks so much.
You and Luzma rocked! As did the staff at the Don, the
flowers, the cake .... All great!
Greg and Becki Cohen
June 13, 2008
Hi Barb!!
We just got back! We had an amazing time!! We have gotten
so many wonderful compliments about our wedding and all
the beautiful details. Chuck and I can't thank you enough!!
We were so extremely happy with everything!! We will send
you some pics! Thanks again for everything!!
Kathy & Chuck Privitera
May 17, 2008
Barb,
Thank you so much for making our wedding perfect.....everyone
was saying that it was the most beautiful wedding they
had been to!!!! You did an amazing job......you're the
best!
Kristi and Joe
Moran
April 19, 2008
Barb,
Thank you so much for all the work you did prior to
and also the day of the wedding. Your attention to all
the details made their wedding perfect. Everything turned out just great!
Thanks again
for everything,
Nancy Giroux
April 19, 2008
Mother of the Bride
Barb,
We have been so busy the past few days getting me processed
into the Navy system that we haven't had a chance to sit
down and thank you for making our wedding day so incredible.
It was so beautiful and we know that we couldn't have
pulled that off without you! The beach was perfect lined
with all those shells and the reception room looked AWESOME!
It was definitely the greatest night of our life! You
really made planning easy for Jeff and I, especially since
we weren't able to be there to focus on the small details...you
have been amazing to work with and we would recommend
you to anyone who was planning on getting married in the
Tampa area.
Here is a little something extra to express our gratitude!
Please use it to pamper yourself between all of the weddings
you are working on! The cookie cutters are from my bridal
shower, I thougtht you could bake beach cookies with your
kids.
Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication to
making our wedding day so wonderful.
We'll definitely keep in touch with you...we are heading
to San Diego soon!
Lauren &
Jeff
March 15, 2008
Barb,
Michael and I thank you with all our heart. You are amazing!
Sincerely,
Summer and Michael
February 16, 2008
Barb and Luzma,
We just wanted to send our thanks for making our wedding
day a dream come true!
Love,
Casey and Ryan Kennedy
November 10, 2007
Hi Barb &
Luzma,
Although it’s been a few months since the wedding
I need to let you know how pleased I was with the final
result. The setting, the dinner, the reception, photography,
everything, was just perfect. When ever anyone speaks
of the wedding it is complimented to the hilt as a nice,
classy event and has set the bar for future weddings.
The flowers from the florist that you recommended, Cherals,
were just as Casey expected, including the drapes and
columns adding just the right touch. I would recommend
the Marriott Waterside to anyone, especially with you
heading up the event. The majority of the guests stayed
for the entire week-end and enjoyed every moment of
the wedding festivities. The dinner was out of this
world with no complaints from any of the wedding guests.
My husband and I were able to relax knowing that the
attention to detail in regards to Casey and Ryans social
event would leave a lasting impression with them, their
friends, our friends and our relatives. The Rev. Darling
did an exceptional job, especially with the unique wording
and wedding ceremony the kids had decided on. I’m
not sure if Casey has sent any of the wedding pictures
to you but will make sure you receive some. Thanks,
for helping make my daughters dream come true.
Selina Kuykendall
Mother of the Bride
November 10, 2007
Hi Barb,
I've been meaning to email you -- you did an awesome job!!!!!
The feedback we've received has been...this set the bar
for future family weddings & Chelsey's maid of honor
is getting married in June in Kentucky. Her goal is for
her guests to have as much fun at her wedding as they
did at Chelsey's. The wedding ceremony was beautiful &
the dinner/reception rocked!
I will be happy to recommend Cheral for her flowers, they
are still beautiful in vases in my home. Desiree did an
awesome job on the cake; it was beautiful & unique
& tasted wonderful. With that being said, I am most
impressed with our dj, George. He had very little direction
from us, but played songs that kept people on the dance
floor. I heard that tips were given to the bartender,
but George was the heat & I should have thought to
tip him. George did a GREAT job!!!
The food & service the Sheraton provided was excellent!
The food & service at the Columbian for the rehearsal
dinner was not. That was not under your control, but I
would not recommend them.
Barb, you allowed me to enjoy my daughter's wedding &
for that I thank you!!!!!! I'm sure I wasn't always easy
to work with, but I thank you for tolerating me! Please
feel free to use me as a recommendation!
Chelsey & Matt return from their honeymoon tomorrow.
I so look forward to seeing them!
You are really good at what you do!!! I'm so glad we found
you!
Pat Miller
Mother of the Bride
November 4, 2007
Hey Barb,
Thank you for the kind words and thank you so much for
all the work you have done over the past year. Our wedding
was a dream come true for both Melissa and I. Everything
went smoothly, and everyone seemed to enjoy it, except
for my Michael Jackson impression. The day was perfect,
the food was delicious, and the dance floor was packed.
We were really impressed with the photographers. They
were very professional and hard working.
We returned from our Honeymoon this past Sunday. It was
a much needed relaxing vacation.
Thanks again for all your help. We will speak soon. If
and when any of our local friends or family ever decide
to wed, you will be the one we refer.
Melissa and Rick
Batto
November 3, 2007
Hi Barb,
HELLLLOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
We miss you too! We have not stopped talking about the
BEST DAY of our lives!! THANK you soo much . You are such
a blessing!! You did a fantastic job and really went above
and beyond in so many ways! You made the day so much fun
for me and Jon!! Everyone was soo impressed. I have heard
amazing things like"the best wedding ever",
"the most fun"," the most beautiful ceremony
" , and ON AND ON!! I had a BLAST.. as you could
tell! I wish I could see it all again.. it went fast!
Jon and I are doing great. We are back from Mexico and
more in love than ever!
All the best,
your friend and Biggest fan!!
Erica
October 27, 2007
Hi Barb!!
We cannot thank you enough for all your help in planning
and making our wedding day so enjoyable. Ron and I both
enjoyed ourselves and were very pleased with the day!!
Thank you again for all your assistance through our
engagement and on our wedding day! We couldn't have
done it all without you. I will definitely send you
pictures when I have some.
Take Care!
Leslie and Ron Smith
October 20, 2007
Barb and Luzma,
We wanted to THANK YOU so much for making the happiest
day of our lives, also the most beautiful day to all of
our guests. It was completely stress free for the both
of us, the only time I was even nervous was when I heard
the music start. Everything was amazing, the flowers,
the food, the tables, it was gorgeous, we have even received
Thank You notes from our guests!! Our Parents, loved you
both, they thought you two were so sweet and helpful and
friendly. I couldn't believe when I walked into the Reception,
it was a dream come true! Everything about that day was
PERFECT, not only for Justin and I but for our guests,
our family is still talking about the wedding! The flowers
that were used to represent where my grandparents would
have been seated, was such a wonderful touch, it made
me feel like they were really there, Thank you for everything,
even the little things.
Shawna and Justin
Needham
October 14, 2007
Hi Barb,
The wedding was absolutely fabulous. Thank you so much
for all your hard work.
Thanks,
Panagiota
October 13, 2007
Dear Barb,
Vito and I want to thank you for all you did to make Lisa
and Jason's wedding weekend such a success. All of our
guests had so much fun. I truly enjoyed the ceremony and
reception because you were there. So many friends commented
on how lovely the Yacht Club looked and on our attention
to detail. The candy buffet was an enormous hit.
The entire weekend was magical. I will be in touch, but
please know your decision about the cake was perfect.
Thanks again for everything.
Nancy and Vito
Parents of the Bride
September 22, 2007
Hi Barb -
Well, the dust is nearly settled from Melissa & Brad's
fantastic wedding! So sorry for this long delay - we had
the local party on 8/11, which was a lot of fun also.
We cannot begin to thank you enough for everything that
you did for us in Florida to make the wedding turn out
beautiful. I remember laughing to myself way back when
I saw that you would have an emergency kit with you -
little did I know then that you would be sewing Melissa
into her dress on her wedding day! I am all thumbs when
it comes to sewing, so I was certainly appreciative that
you had that.
We didn't have the beach wedding, but the back up ceremony
and reception sites were outstanding. Renee had shown
us the Horizon room on Friday for the original back up,
and we did not like that so the ballroom was perfect.
Melissa just kept saying that she was not going to get
married in the lobby of a hotel, but for a back up it
was absolutely beautiful. The food was wonderfully delicious
both nights. Your vendors were superb!! Cari did a great
job with Melissa's hair and make up and I couldn't believe
what she did for me. Tony - he probably thought he was
walking into a lion's den that day with all of the commotion
regarding the storm! We are all so happy with his photos
- he didn't just have posed shots, but so many great,
random shots - some absolutely gorgeous shots - he was
just a pleasure to work with - even when he said a few
times that he thought the storm was going to blow over
- what an optimist, but it took some of the edge off.
He just captured some wonderful, lasting memories. Cake
- out of this world wonderful. Cheryl's flowers - maybe
I'm a little prejudiced, but those were the most beautiful
I have ever seen - when I saw what Cheryl did with the
part of my wedding dress for Melissa's bouquet, I teared
up. The flowers on the stairs (even though they would
probably have looked better out by the beach) were just
stunning. The table arrangements with the linen napkins
were beautiful also. I only wish I could have taken some
of the flowers home - it was tough getting the 3 bouquets
back home.
John and I just had a wonderful wedding weekend - it was
so enjoyable to spend the weekend somewhat relaxing. It
was actually quite pleasant being in the a/c as opposed
to the outdoor beach venue, but it still would have been
beautiful to see that - fortunately, Tony got some great
shots of them on the beach at least.
We cannot thank you and Luzma enough - it was a distinct
pleasure to work with you. If ever you need a reference,
we would be happy to oblige. I actually feel that it turned
out more beautiful than I could have imagined. You always
took care of any of the bumps in the road for us, and
helped make this a wonderful day to always remember.
Take care and we wish you continued success with your
wonderful services that you provide.
Peggy
Klopp
Mother of the Bride
July 21, 2007
Hi Barb…
Wanted to drop you an e mail just to say THANK YOU, and
to tell you how beautiful everything was. Your vendors
are to be commended, especially the florist!! How beautiful
were those arrangements?
You did a wonderful job getting everyone where they were
to be and a fabulous job placing the fans, candles etc,
that Christine and I dropped on you!
Thanks again for everything, I know the wedding was everything
Christine could have asked for!
Fondly,
Lynda Coyle
Mother of the Groom
July 14, 2007
Hello Barb,
Well we cant believe our wedding is over. We just returned
home from Costa Rica last night. Had a wonderful time
and got to see so many beautiful things. We both want
to thank you for making a dream of ours come true. It
was truly a day we will never forget. Everything went
just the way Jim and I had imagined and we could not have
asked for more. Thank you to you both for helping us with
every detail. I was stunned to see how everything turned
out on the day of our wedding and how perfect it was.
Also, you made my days up to the wedding stress free and
a time I could enjoy with my family and friends. Thank
you again and please keep in touch.
Love,
Jaclyn and Jim Royalty
July 1, 2007
Hi Barb,
Just got back from St. Lucia last night and we wanted
to email you to immediately thank you for making sure
our wedding was a great success. I did not worry about
any of the details because I knew you would make sure
that everything was in place and you did just that.
My sister wanted me to say thank you on her behalf (especially
for fixing the cake and making it look great). Everything
was so very well organized. Again thank you to you and
Luzma. That was one of the best experience of our lives.
I am sad that I won't get to call you anymore. Take
care of yourself and your beautiful children. Good luck
with your fantastic business. Words can not express
how much I appreciate you. Again, thanks a bunch for
making my day stress free, exciting and eventful.
Love,
Rosemie and Lyle
June 9th, 2007
Dear Barb and Luzma,
I just wanted to write a note to say "thank you"
for all you did to make Valerie and Shaun's wedding absolutely
wonderful! It was very difficult for me all these months.
I was worried about every detail...like every "mother
of the bride" you want your daughter's wedding to
be perfect! As time started quickly approaching I was
so stressed and nervous...so ovewhelmed! Even Friday at
the rehearsal it was hard for me to relax but you guys
pulled everthing together. Every detail was absolutely
perfect! Thank you for all the hard work because it was
all we dreamed and hoped it would be! You helped to give
Valerie the wedding she had set her heart on! Thank you
for everything. You girls are the BEST!
Love,
Susan Waters
Mother of the Bride
May 12, 2007
Dear Barb,
How do I say "thank you" to the wedding planner
"extraordinare"? Your performance at the wedding
of my daughter Hilary Haynes to Matt Wynn on April 28,
2007 was flawless! You are the calm in the eye of the
storm.
The event was wonderful because of your proffesionalism,
eye for detail and organizational skills. Your assistant
Luzma was also very helpful, sweet and skillful at her
job.
I can highly recommend Grande Occasions to anyone looking
for help in planning such an important event.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your part in
making a memory that will last a lifetime for my family.
Sincerely,
Betsi Rinaldi
Mother of the Bride
May 14, 2007
Hey Barb,
Everything turned out PERFECT. I have no idea that there
would be so many details and "jobs" to do for
our wedding that we only had 2 months to plan! Barb, came
through, never getting stressed or over done! She was
amazing from beginning to end!
Having it on the beach with extra activities made the
work more and she came through without a problem!
Thanks for being there and making sure everything ran
so smoothly. I don't think I would have changed a thing.
Our guests were amazed and had the time of their lives.
One important success to mention was Barb's great industry
connections that work to pull it all together. She found
the perfect DJ, photographer, florist, hotel, caterer,
hair artist, and, etc. All worked well together and loved
working with her so they gave their all!
We have recommended her services to friends and will use
her again in 10 years when we do it again!!! Our renewal
of vows and 2nd reception on the beach will take place
every 10 years and Barb is the one!!! Thanks for all of
your time and grace.
Thanks Barb and
Luzma!
Monica and David Lester
April 14, 2007
Thanks Barb and Luzma! Everything
turned out gorgeous. I have had so many compliments on
the colors and, of course, on our ceremony. I think having
it indoors worked out very well. Thanks for being there
and making sure everything ran so smoothly. I don't think
I would have changed a thing. We'll e-mail you some pictures
once they arrive.
Take care.
Karen and Russell
April 7, 2007
Hi Barbara,
It has been a while since Jessica and Jeff's wedding and
I haven't taken the opportunity to thank you and Luzma
for taking care of everthing for us. Jessicca was very
happy with everything and feels she had the wedding of
her dreams. I attached a few pictures for you.
Again, thanks for everything!
Beverly Thurston
Mother of the Bride
March 18, 2007
Hello Barb,
Hope all is well. Thanks a million for a great wedding
day!!!! Everything
was superb!! We greatly appreciate all you did to make
it such a success.
Our guests said it was the most enjoyable and the best
wedding they've been to. Most importantly we had a blast,
and we are extremely grateful to you for a spectacular
wedding celebration. You are exceptional and did a heck
of a superior job. It wouldn't have been perfect without
you. You and Luzma were phenomenol and we couldn't have
asked for more. Thanks so very much!
Dr. and Mrs.
Omoike
March 10, 2007
Hi Barb,
We are so excited! The wedding was absolutely perfect.
Way better than we ever imagined. It was just like a fairy
tale. Last week I was so ready for it to just be over,
but wow, it flew by so quick. That is my only disappointment--that
it ended so quickly! I could have danced all night (and
I'm not usually much of a dancer.) The flowers were beautiful,
the ceremony and reception were great, the DJ was awesome,
and of course Gary and his wife were fabulous (people
raved about him all night). I can't wait to see the pictures.
I had to watch the video to really remember much of the
ceremony. I was so nervous. Once we made it through that,
the rest of the evening was so much fun, and relaxing.
I didn't worry about anything! All thanks to you. You
really are the BEST and I am so grateful to have had you
there to take care of everything! Although we won't be
needing your services again, you will be highly recommended
to all our friends!
Rachel and Omar
March 9, 2007
Barb and Luzma,
We cannot express how much it meant to us to have you
guys there helping us along such a busy but exciting time
in our lives. We appreciate all you did for us and will
recommend you highly to anyone that is interested in planning
a wedding. Thank you so much again for all of your help
and advice. Take care and keep in touch.
Jorge and Amanda
Parajon
March 3, 2007
Hi Barb,
We had such a wonderful time!! I will definetly send you
pictures of the wedding! Rawley and I talked over and
over how we wished we could rewind back to that Thursday
and relive the whole weekend!! It was PERFECT!! Thank
you so much for everything!!! I could not have done any
of it without you! :) I will be in touch soon! :)
Bethany Fox
February 24, 2007
Hey Barb -
Thank you so much for everything you and your assistant
did for me and my family. I don't know how this event
could have been pulled off without you. The wedding day
was actually stress free (as much a humanly possible)
and for the first time I was able to just let everything
go. All in all, I think everything was beautiful and all
the extra touches (the lighted palm trees) really made
a difference. I was actually very happy with the way my
arrangements looked. And there was nothing cookie-cutter
about it....unlike the wedding down the hall. Even my
father (who hated the idea of artificial everything) ended
up impressed. So thanks.
I can't believe I have nothing to email you about anymore.
It's like this giant void in my time....and actually it's
nice not to have to think about ) I can now get back to
my life the way it used to be. Anyway, if we ever have
another wedding (kidding), or big party in Tampa, we will
call you.
Thanks again,
Rachel Pantol
January, 13 2007
Barb,
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart
for capturing what I had imagined all of these years,
and making it come to life. Words can not express the
amount of work you did to make all of this happen. Thank
you, it was beautiful and I owe all that to you. I am
very grateful that you came into my life and I always
hope to keep in contact with you.
Much Love,
Jan Han
November 4, 2006
Barb,
We just wanted to let you know we had such a wonderful
"destination" weekend! You did an amazing job
taking care of all the details and we appreciate everything
you did. Thank you for making our day so wonderful and
for all of your hard work!
Karen Richardson
Mother of the Bride
July 2006
Barbara - So very nice to meet
you guys!
I can see why Brooke selected you and your company to
handle her wedding. You absolutely gave me the confidence
that you will make this a Very Special Wedding! I want
to personally thank you for time spent with us and taking
care of my Very Special Daughter. If you need anything
please don't hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Ken Williams
Dear Barb,
We just wanted to thank you for making our wedding the
BEST wedding that we have been to! We certainly felt as
though we were guests at our own wedding. We are lucky
to have a friend like you in our lives. Our post marriage
has brought us a new home which we will move into at the
end of August as well as a baby that is due in February.
Love,
Dennis and Alison
May 6, 2006
Dear Barb,
You were absolutely amazing through everything! I could
never thank you enough! You created something more beautiful
than I could have ever imagined. I have been a bridesmaid
several times and I have never seen everything run so
smoothly. I was so calm and content just knowing you handled
everything. I hope you are doing well and can't wait to
see pictures of the new little one!
Love,
Katie and James Brannan
March 26, 2006
Dear Barb,
I want to thank you for your tireless efforts to make
everything perfect for Katie's and James wedding . Everything
came together wonderfully. It was evident that you cared
very much about every aspect of the day. We greatly appreciated
all you did.
Sincerely,
Deborah Farr (Mother of the Bride)
Dear Barb,
Thank you so much for doing such a great job and allowing
us to enjoy our special day. We appreciate everything
you and Luzma did to make our day one we will always remember.
Erlie
and Charles
April 2006
Hi Barb,
I just wanted to let you know that we had an incredible
time and the wedding turned out perfect! We could not
have done it without you. Being a planner myself I knew
that I was in good hands when I first met you. You took
care of every detail and I will be forever greatful for
allowing me to enjoy one of the most important days of
my life. Best wishes to you and the family. Please stay
in touch.
Sincerely,
Amy and David Zurich
June 2005
Dear Barb
Thank you so much for providing us with a wonderful, memorable
wedding party. Our guests are still talking about it!
We appreciate all of your hard work, assistance, support
and guidance throughout the entire event, from start to
finish. It was perfect! You did an amazing job and we
just wanted to send our thanks to you for such a splendid
event. Thanks again!
Take
Care,
Christi and Dean
Barb,
Just writing to say "Thank You" for all you
did to help make my wedding day special. We really appreciate
how you went out of your way to help us. We will always
remember you.
Best
Wishes,
Crystal and Lance
Barb,
Words cannot express our thanks to you. You did an excellent
job and we got a ton of compliments about the decorations
and your service to keep everything flowing and organized.
We couldn't ask for anyone better to help make our special
day go smoothly. We will be recommending Grande Occasions
to all of our friends and family for all their future
events.
Thank
you for the well wishes,
Naim and Connie
Dear Barb,
We want to express our deepest thanks for the amazing
job you did to make our wedding day the best ever. We
will recommend Grande Occasions to any and all of our
friends for their wedding, reception, or party. Our friends
and family are still talking about how our reception was
the best they've ever attended! Thanks for making our
wedding day the memory of a lifetime!
Love,
Summer and David
Barb,
Jeff and I want to do something really nice for you since
you did a fabulous job with our wedding, it was perfect!
All of our guests have told us that they had a great time
and complimented you for doing a wonderful job on the
ceremony and reception. I look back on our wedding pictures
and they make me so happy. Thank you again for everything.
