The importance of attending Conferences in your field.

Who has time to attend conferences?

In business it is important to keep a high profile and let people know that you exist. You are your own best ambassador and the most effective representative of your brand. Circulating, talking about your story and your company, building relationships with other businesses is all part of marketing yourself and your business. Conferences and networking events provide businesses with the opportunity to get away from the work environment for a while and meet like minded professionals in a more relaxed setting If you’re a small business owner, you probably feel as though you’re already spread too thin. With so much on your plate, you probably don’t think you can take on anything else, especially something as time consuming as traveling to conferences around the country and the world. If its possible, however, you should consider attending conferences that are related to your field. The ROI you get from attending conferences can be enormous. Here’s why:

Conferences are an opportunity to network.

Conferences give you a chance to rub elbows with the major players in your field and connect with people who may be interested in referring you to potential clients. Networking in your local community can only get you so far. Going to conferences gives you a chance to network on a national and global level, which can ultimately do your business a lot of good.

Conferences help you stay ahead of the curve.

Conferences can teach you a lot of new things and ultimately help you improve your overall business practices. The best conferences in your field will expose you to new ideas, new practices, new research, and new trends. Going to conferences is one of the best ways to stay in the know.

Conferences are a time for you to de-stress.

Going to a conference is, in some ways, like going on vacation. You shouldn’t necessarily abandon all efforts to stay productive while traveling to and attending conferences. However, you should use trips to conferences as a chance to sit back, relax, and learn, which is probably just want the doctor ordered to help you prevent over-exhaustion and burn out.

The Love n Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference is the Go-To Conference of the year. Being held at the historical Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida. Sunday October 20, 2013. Presented by South Miami's Elite Joy Agness Event's. Destination Wedding Specialist Extraordinaire.

With a spectacular lineup of the Elite Industry Leaders, This year's Conference Headliners are Globally renowned Celebrity Floral Designer and Wedding Planner: Preston Bailey; Emmy nominated TV Host and Author. Mar Jennings.  Award winning Editor and Creator of the International Luxury Wedding Magazine Grace Ormonde. Just to name a few. See our lineup of speakers)

The highlights of this year's conference are not limited to the Breakout session and panel discussions, there are 2 Book signing and Photo OP sessions, a Book launching Event, A Live Floral Demo from this year's keynote speaker. Preston Bailey, Exhibitor and Expo showcase and for the ultimate end to an enriching day, The Color, Flavor & Rum Reception. 

Join us for our 1st SouthEast tour of the Love n Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference. 

The Conference is geared towards all International and Local Wedding Professionals in the Luxury market. Our emphasis on the Destination Wedding Market has garnered attendees from South America, Europe and North America.  This years conference has Sessions with varying topics from all spectrum's of the Industry and you will leave feeling motivated and enriched. Come out, get a chance to meet the industry leaders, network with like minded individuals and have a fulfilling day of learning, networking and fun.

For more information visit our website at www.LovenSunshine.com

Contact us at Info@LovenSunshine.com / Lovensunshinedwc@gmail.com

877 345 4078 Ext. 2 or 954 345 7517 Ext. 2

What to do with a demanding Bride?

It's understanding that Bride's want their wedding day to be perfect, but some get carried away and obsess about details. Your situation could be worse, there are Bride's who have told their attendants to Lose weight, have their teeth capped, hold off getting pregnant or undergo skin treatments, even as extreme as plastic surgery before the wedding.

If this is your situation, you and the other attendants should meet with the Bride now and talk about your issues. Be as kind as you can, she may not realize that her instructions are excessive, but let her know that you are united. Explain you objections clearly and rationally, look for some compromise. You'll be glad to discuss make up and hairstyles; suggestions even, but the final choice is up to you. You might bring up cost but don't let it be your main issue, If the bride says she pay you back.



For the discussion to go well, be prepared with Positive and Negative comments. A few well deserved compliments can do wonders if she reacts badly. Give her time to calm down and think. If she still insists on having it her way you have Two choices. Go along with it graciously or Get out amiably. Though hopefully it won't come to that point. Should you decide to resign, avoid blaming or saying anything that could end friendship. Good people can do very foolish things under stress and your friend may someday regret her imperious (rude) behavior. Whatever you decide the goal is to create a look for the entire wedding party that is harmonious and suitable for the occasion.



There are many decisions to be made as a Bride.For EG. Reception decisions:

• Where will you hold the reception.

• How will you work with your vendors.

• What type of Food service will you have.

• What type of beverage service.

• How will you handle seating arrangements.

• Transportation: How will you and the wedding party get from the ceremony to the reception.

The goal of a wedding is two fold. To create a Celebratory atmosphere and to ensure the physical and emotional comfort of your guests. The Success of the wedding depends on the choices you make as a Bride.

Love n Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference. PRESS RELEASE

PRESTON BAILEY & MAR JENNINGS TO HEADLINE WEDDING CONFERENCE & EXPO

Miami, FL, July 22, 2013- Joy Agness, CEO of South Miami’s Joy Agness Events, presents Love & Sunshine, a global destination wedding conference and expo scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the world-renowned Biltmore Hotel located in Coral Gables, Florida.

Love & Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference & Expo is the premier training resource for wedding professionals in the luxury market to network with industry leaders, keep up with the latest trends, and learn effective business strategies to grow their skills in the destination wedding industry.

“I’m delighted to offer such an event for the industry while also providing a platform for other businesses to highlight their professional services and products. There is no better place to bring the magic and the passion of the wedding industry together to help professionals learn to grow their own businesses than surrounded by the ambiance of The Biltmore Hotel. Preston Bailey and Mar Jennings are incredible, and offer just an example of the guest speakers we will have at this our first event. I anticipate great responses from the industry all over the world, wedding businesses and the local press as they have all embraced the business of making dreams come true,” said Joy Agness.

This one-day event will feature Preston Bailey who is globally-celebrated for his ability to completely transform raw, ordinary spaces into lush, theatrical environments. Bailey is known for his unique ability to translate the dreams of each client into an awe-inspiring reality. Preston will share stories, tips, inspirations, and lessons he has learned in his 30-plus year career.

Special guest star and speaker Mar Jennings, a nationally renowned TV Host, Lifestyle Expert
 and best-selling author known for his signature style Casual Luxury, will speak on building your own empire and brand one day at a time. Jennings is the host of many lifestyle shows, including Dream Wedding and is the columnist behind “You Can’t Get Married without MAR” for CT Gets Married; over the years, he has appeared on HGTV, the Today Show, QVC, the Style Network, Food Network, FOX, ABC, CBS and CNN.

About Joy Agness:
Joy Agness is a certified Preston Bailey Wedding & Event Designer with accreditation from Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute (LWPI) and holds a Wedding Planning Diploma. Joy has 24 years experience in the Wedding & Event Planning industry. She was called upon to host the annual Reggae Carnival Fest, a multicultural music festival featuring international artistes and promoters in South Florida. Joy has also been called on by other planners in the industry to assist and manage large scale events. She is a preferred vendor at numerous venues and premiere wedding affiliated firms.

She was inducted into the Cambridge WHO's WHO for outstanding Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs in 2008 and has been inducted in the Strathmore’s WHO's WHO Worldwide for exemplary professionals in 2012.

Other Speakers and Panelist Include: Grace Ormonde, Simon T Bailey, Jacqueline Johnson, Therese Cole Hubbs, Rick DiCecca, Cho Phillips, Marilyn Cairo, Richard & Julia Markel and many others.

Like us on Facebook:

Follow us on Twitter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovenSunshinedw

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/JoyAgness

www.LovenSunshine.com

PRESS CONTACTS:

Joy Agness Events (954) 345-7517

Info@JoyAgnessEvents.com

AgnessJoy@gmail.com

Colors Speak Volume

Just imagine being in a room that's all black or all gray or white with no other color accent. What would you do? Add some color, colors creates vibrancy, warmth also expressions of OH WOW, Lovely, magnificent, awesome and so much more. Just the right amount of color can completely transform a room. Choose bright colors as accent colors for that pop. If you're going for the understated look, just a hint of color in your napkins can make a big difference. Or go with a full single color floral centerpiece. Remember colors are not limited to enhancing the room but can be your Bridal bouquet, Bridal party attire, Cake and so much more. Here are a few color combinations.

Black, Ivory and Sunflower will express gratitude to your guests.

Buttercup and Brown shows, I am relaxed.

Clover and Firecracker. Expression of warmth and comfort.

Cornflower and Silver.

Thoughts of travel.

Fuchsia, White and Pink. Love is in the air.

Garnet. Memories are made of this.

Ginger. Spicy, Hot, Embellished with emotions.

Mango and Turquoise. Very Romantic.

Emerald and Gold. Looking to the future with wealth.

Lavender and Purple. Expressions of Royalty.

When choosing colors to set a mood. It's always suggested that subtle colors are best. For eg. Teal and Copper; Dusty Lavender and Cameo; Scarlet and Aquamarine . Play with colors but try not to go for a monochromatic look. When using very bright colors, the use of Gold, Silver or Ivory can make a statement. When using different shades of the same color. Choose focal points, that the eye can gravitate to. Red is always Symbolized as a color of Love, but did you know the same sentiment is added to Yellow.  Overall Enjoy yourself and colors always makes everything a little but brighter...

  

The Language of Flowers

As you begin making decisions about flowers, you might incorporate those that have special traditional meaning. In the early 1900's romance was often communicated with flowers. A young man would present a red rose, which symbolized love, to a young woman. She would return a purple pansy, which silently relayed the message you are in my thoughts. Traditionally no words were spoken , that would commit either party during this courtship, so knowing the language of flowers was of paramount importance if an accord was to be reached. 

Today it is a charming idea to select flowers and even herbs, that convey special floral messages between the Bride and Groom.

Spring Time Flowers

Apple Blossoms                     Iris                                       Larkspur
Cherry Blossoms                   Lilacs                                   Peonies
Daffodils                                 Lilies                                     Sweet Pea
Dog Wood                              Lilies of the Valley              Tulips
Forsythia                                Jonquils                               Violets


Summer Flowers

Asters                                    Geranium                            Stock
Calla Lilies                             Hydrangea                         Queen Anne's Lace
Dahlias                                   Larkspur                             Roses
Daises

Fall Flowers

Asters                                      Dahlias                             Shasta Daises
Chrysanthemum                    Marigold                           Zinnias


Flowers that are readily available year round are those are grown in greenhouses but that are not rare or difficult to grow, these include:

Year Round Flowers

Baby's Breath                        Daises                            Orchids
Bachelor's Bed                       Gardenias                        Roses
Carnations                             Ivy                                  Stephanotis
Delphiniums                          Lilies 

Although the advances of modern technology have resulted in the year round availability of flowers. Formally hard to get flowers, you can still cut costs by using seasonal flowers that are in bloom locally. They don't need to be shipped, they can be cut close to the time they will be used and tend to be hardier than blooms forced in a greenhouse, out of season.

Following is a list of flowers.

Acacia - Friendship     
Forget me not - Remembrance
Agrimony - Gratitude                                 Freesia - Innocence
Ambrosia - Love Returned                         Gardenia - Purity
Anemone - Expectation                              Heliotrope - Devotion
Apple Blossoms - Hope 
Ivy - Fidelity
Aster - Elegance                                          Larkspur - Laughter
Azalea - Temperance                                 Laurel - Peace
Baby's Breath - Innocence                         Orchid - Rare Beauty
Bay Laurel - Glory                                      





Parsley - Beginnings                
Calla Lily - Beauty 
Rose - Love     
Daffodil - Regard
Sage - Immorality    
Daisy - Gentleness        
Thyme - Courage            
Tulip - Passion  

Parents attire in a wedding.

Mother's and Father's of the wedding couple. This is your children's day, but you have the right to shine too. Parents and Stepparents should choose clothing in keeping with the style of the wedding. Comfort matters as well, since you're likely to be busy for the entire event, So select garments that feel and fit as good as they look.

Mothers

Fashionable Mother-of-the-Bride (and the Groom) outfits. Whatever the formality are generally easier to find today than in the past. When even youthful mothers were expected to appear matronly. No one now expects mothers to look anything other than their age, still  there are a few issues of dress etiquette to remember.

• Try not to wear colors that are the same as or very similar to the bride or bridesmaid's dresses. If you want a light color look for pastels and light or medium tones than white.

• It's preferable that mothers wear different colors, so consult with the other mother and or stepmother about color. Hopefully, everyone is on good terms, and you can discuss your plans so that each mother will be both distinctive and comfortable with her choice attire.

• The length of your gown or dress is your choice, even for formal weddings, long dresses and skirts are fine for any wedding from noon on. Mother's of the Bride and Groom do not have to wear the same length, tough many do, feeling that the same length creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.

• Gloves and Hats or Headpieces are normally worn for formal weddings but are optional otherwise. So be guided by the Bride's preference and any religious requirements. Gloves are worn for receiving lines but can be removed afterward and are always taken off when eating.

Fathers

When they participate in the ceremony, fathers and stepfathers almost always wear the same outfit as the groom's attendants. This is also the case for any man who escorts the bride down the aisle.

When the father of the groom doesn't have an active role he can either match the formality of the of the male attendants or "dress down" a bit. Choosing a tuxedo or dark suit instead of more formal attire, but if the groom's father is to be in The receiving line, his outfit will often conform to that of the brides father or groomsmen.

Here are a few tips for Monogramming Gifts

Traditional monograms for married people consist of three initials. The Bride's first initial, the Last name initial and the husband's First initial, but today with couples using both last names and some wives keeping their maiden name. Monograms can be a bit more complicated.

Initials in a couples monogram generally include first names, however a middle name can be substituted if that is the name a person uses. The initials of a nickname is not normally included in a monogram.

For Single women. 

First , Middle, Last          H M J

First Name: Hyacinth; Middle Name: Mayfield; Last name: Johnson

For a single man. 

First, Middle, Last    J A H

First Name: James; Middle Name: Albert;  Last Name: Haymer

A married couple:

Initial of Wife's first name; Couples last name; Husbands First name. H H J

When having a wedding gift monogrammed, givers should be guided by the way the couple intends to write their names. If you aren't sure of the correct monogram. You might check with the couples parents, or one of the attendants or with the couple directly.

Impressionable monogrammed gifts are always talked about between the couples and their parents. It shows that you were thoughtful in you gift giving and places you head and shoulders above the rest.

Monogramming Linens: 

Many people today prefer the Single Last name Initial or Hyphenated Initials. The other monogramming choices are also appropriate for towels, dinner napkins. For bedding, Sheet and Comforted sets. Pillows and cases. Three letter monograms gives a finished look.

Monogramming Flatware:

If silverware is monogrammed, a triangle of block letters. Last name initial below, the first name initials of the bride and groom. Above works well on modern patters. If a single initial is used, it is the last name of the groom. When monogramming silver flatware, the monogram is usually placed so that the top of the letter is towards the end of the handle, in other words when the piece is on the table, the initials should be read by the diner.

"Good manners reflect something from within, an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self."