If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this business, it’s that there’s nothing like a true expert. They save precious time and add refinement to everything they touch. Plus, you can always count on them. That’s why I’ve decided to share as many tips as possible from my favorite pros in the field. Ranging from the best in photography, planning, design and more, the talents below will give you a running start and enviable polish in whatever you’re setting out to do. I’ve worked with everyone on this list, so I can attest to these professionals’ talent and superior work. In fact, most have been in the business for more than five years – experience that’s priceless.
AMY ATLAS
Amy Atlas, also known as the “sweets stylist,” is a coveted entertaining expert, baking and crafting stylist, and is internationally recognized for creating the stylized dessert bar trend. Amy’s work has appeared in O Magazine, InStyle Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents Magazine, The New York Times, Every Day with Rachael Ray, The Los Angeles Times, Real Simple, Food and Wine Magazine, Life & Style, Gotham, New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and many more. She has appeared on a variety of shows, including The Today Show, Martha Stewart Special on Cakes, WPIX, Better TV, and The Knot. Her work has appeared on thousands of top U.S. and international entertaining and lifestyle blogs. Amy writes her own daily blog, Sweet Designs, where she shares styling tips, recipes, do-it-yourself crafting tricks, and behind-the-scenes of her work. She is also a contributing editor for NBC’s iVillage as well as Stroller Traffic. Amy is publishing her first book with Hyperion in 2012.
“Amy has created a true niche for herself as the “sweets stylist.” I love how creative she gets with her presentations. I’m always a big supporter of anyone who breaks the mold and blazes their own trail. Not only is Amy incredible at what she does, she’s also amazingly grounded. A lovely person inside and out!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Amy Atlas in CeciStyle, or visit amyatlas.com for more info.
THE BREAKERS CATERING
Joan’s expertise spans more than twenty years in the luxury wedding and special event industry. Joan started her career at The Boca Raton Resort and Club, where she was then recruited by The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company. The Breakers enticed her to join their team 17 years ago to assist in building their wedding business. One of her many accomplishments was the creation of The Breakers’ in-house Design Studio. She is best known for putting together teams of experts with one common philosophy: “Impeccable Personalized Service”.
“Joan Bever and her outstanding team bring exactly the kind of expertise one would expect from such a wonderful resort. With more than 15 years of experience, partnered with incredible dedication to service and luxury, Joan’s event planning at The Breakers is always top notch. Her hospitality and desire for excellence make her a pleasure to work with.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on The Breakers Catering in CeciStyle, or visit thebreakers.com for more info.
THE BREAKERS DESIGN STUDIO
Leading a team of design experts with the common goal of “making dreams come true” requires energy, imagination and planning. Fifteen years in hospitality and event production has taught Joy Cudahy the importance of bringing each of these to the table every day. Her off premises catering experience, with the Breakers, is the foundation of her expertise in logistics and planning. With access to exceptional resources, Joy and the Design Studio team transform indoor and outdoor venues into awe-inspiring visions that reflect your personal style and aesthetic taste.
“I’m always a fan of those who believe in the importance of carrying through an invitation’s look into an event’s decor. Joy and the talented team at the Breakers Design Studio have always understood how crucial that is and continue to create magnificent rooms inspired by my invitation designs. Turn yourself over to them and you can rest assured the ideas they come up with will have both you and your guests in awe.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on The Breakers Design Studio in CeciStyle, or visit thebreakers.com for more info.
DAVID STARK DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
David Stark is a renowned New York-based event producer as well as President and Creative Director of David Stark Design and Production. This full-service event design and planning firm is celebrated for the innovative, imaginative events it creates for a wide range of high-wattage celebrity clients as well as high-visibility fund-raising galas for the nation’s most elite not-for-profit organizations. David and his work are often featured in various publications, design-focused blogs and he is asked to serve as a guest expert on his décor, party planning, holiday decorating and home planting projects for various television shows.
“I most admire people who think beyond what has been done before. They’re not afraid to take risks and shape our future through innovation. David Stark belongs to this special group. Working with him, you can be confident that you’re in some of the best hands creatively and professionally. David and his wonderful team will raise your event to an exceptional new level!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on David Stark in CeciStyle, or visit davidstarkdesign.com for more info.
GOLDBUG STUDIO
In Ashley Carter’s world, details are detailed. As the doyenne of Goldbug Studio, Ashley has created a collection of sparkling handmade follies, fairy-tale inspired figures, decadent headpieces, and vintage-style party embellishments. In addition to the Goldbug Studio Collection, the company also sells hundreds of styles of vintage and vintage reproduction millinery flowers, leaves and berries – rare lovelies from the 1920′s thru 1950′s. Handmade gifts & Southern entertaining have always been a Carter family tradition, and that is where Goldbug Studio has its roots. A mixed media artist with a background in textile design & marketing, Ashley’s first collection was introduced in July 2001. Today, Ashley & her artist team have created custom designs for celebrities & fabulous women, men, children & pets around the globe.
“I love creative people who can make beautiful things out of found treasures from around the world. Ashley and her team of creative talents have a unique way of turning those random objects into rare works of art. With their Southern charm and flair for whimsical fantasy, they specialize in creations that make a wonderful addition to any special occasion.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Goldbug Studio in CeciStyle, or visit goldbugstudio.com for more info.
LEVY LIGHTING
For two decades, Ira Levy has been in the gratifying position of being able to express his love for light. Ira fuses a unique architectural imagination with theatrical inventiveness and technical proficiency to produce a synergy that creates mood as well as enhances people’s lives. Each project receives detailed and personal attention from conception to completion.
“Lighting is so important to set the mood at any event and no one understands the importance of lighting better than Ira Levy, principal and founder of Levy Lighting. The events he illuminates are some of the most outstanding on earth.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Levy Lighting in CeciStyle, or visit levylighting.com for more info.
NÜAGE DESIGNS
Pablo Oliveira, President of Nüage, combined his native Brazil’s flavor and a worldly flair earned from his travels and international education to infuse Nüage Designs with a high level of sophistication and cutting-edge textile and furniture design concepts. His distinctive sense of style and attention to detail have made Nüage Designs the go-to source for the country’s top event designers, planners and distinctive brides searching for the finest in custom event rentals.
“Nüage Designs offers the most exquisite fabrics you have ever laid your eyes on! Plus with their couture approach, they have no limits to what they can create with linens for you. Thanks to Pablo, your tables have never looked so good. Plus, he and his team are wonderful, down-to-earth professionals who always deliver the best results. I will forever love and respect an individual who strives for the best without letting his ego get in the way. Nüage Designs takes linens to a whole new level for clients ranging from Chelsea Clinton to design savvy individuals everywhere!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Nüage Designs in CeciStyle, or visit nuagedesigns.com for more info.
PARTY RENTAL LTD.
Each year Party Rental Ltd. serves more than 50,000 events across the U.S., keeping organized through its state-of-the-art party rental order processing system while providing service focused on the customer. With four warehouses, including its headquarters in Teterboro, NJ and ten showrooms throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Party Rental Ltd. provides the versatility of a large business, yet maintains the customization and care of a family-run boutique company for 40 years.
“I’m big on being efficient and saving time. What I love about Party Rental Ltd. is that they have such a huge selection of wonderful products. They have everything you need all under one roof – no need to shop around and waste time searching for all the parts you need for your tabletop! Plus, the team is professional and so kind to work with. All big pluses in my book!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Party Rental in CeciStyle, or visit partyrentalltd.com for more info.
ROBIN ZACHARY
Bridal fashion and prop stylist Robin Zachary knows a thing or two about weddings. A veteran of the bridal industry, she’s the former Creative Director of Bridal Guide Magazine and now styles photo shoots for major magazines, retailers and private clients. She teaches an always sold-out styling class at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and muses on work, her inspirations and styling-related adventures on her blog, Prop Closet.
“Robin has a truly artistic eye. She is one of those rare talents you can give a concept to and she will run with it, requiring little to no supervision. She just nails it each time. I appreciate her sense of detail and deep desire to create something uniquely beautiful. Whether you need fashion, beauty or prop styling, Robin will get it right every time!” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Robin Zachary in CeciStyle, or visit robinzachary.com for more info.
SHIRAZ EVENTS
Shai Tertner is an event designer and the owner of Shiraz Events, a catering and special events service with offices in New York and Florida. Shai is known for his clean, contemporary sense of aesthetics that appeals to the young, stylish bride.
“Shiraz Events stands for creativity, excellence and professionalism. Shai Tertner and his team are not only known for their outstanding catering but they offer full event planning services as well – taking care of every detail to make your event spectacular.” - CECI JOHNSON
See more on Shiraz Events in CeciStyle, or visit shirazevents.com for more info.
