Jen and Thomas Winter Wedding

What a Wonderful Winter Wedding We Had This Past Weekend!! Jennifer and Thomas were such a wonderful couple that were a complete pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. Carrie Wildes with Carrie Wildes Photographer captured the beautiful day and as always did an amazing job with all the photographs. Jennifer decided on a black, ivory and red color scheme and incorporated the colors through her linen, flowers and bogo on the ceiling. Jana with Events in Bloom, as always, did a wonderful job with all the flowers. Thanks Jen and Thomas for allowing us here at Hunter's Green to be a part of your special day!!

Sorenson Wedding

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Kim and Kevin over the past year helping them create the wedding of their dreams!  Throughout the whole process, Kim was nothing but sweet!! I wish them many, many years of happiness!! 

Cheers to You

Hunter's Green was fortunate enough to host the 1st annual Queen for a Day Dinner and Auction. This is a GREAT organization if you are looking to do some volunteering that really will warm your heart!! So many great vendors helped make the event successful! I would especially like to thank the incredibly talented Ashly Olivier with Olivier Events would was such a delight to work with!! We at Hunter's Green are looking forward to hosting the event next year!!

Planner: Ashly Olivier, Olivier Events Photography

Carrie Wildes Photography

Flowers/Decor: Events in Bloom

Entertainment: Inspire Entertainment

Photobooth: Shutter Booth

Coffee/Cappuccino cart: Cafe Ala Carte

Videography/Slideshow: Tampa Wonderworks

Custom invitations/Stationery: Paper Presence

Linens: Linens by the Sea

Dessert Station: Sweetie Pies

Custom Dress for Guest of Honor: Anglo Couture

Chiavari Chairs: First Class Rentals

Here is a Sweet Thank You Note From the Host

Dear Gretchen,
Thank you so much for all that you did for the Cheers to You Event. I couldn't have done it without you and appreciate all of your time and effort!! I never expected that the first event could be so successful and I can't wait for next year!! Thank you again for everything, from the bottom of my heart!
Love,
Leah

Queen for a Day 1st Annual Event at Hunter's Green

Lauren and Brendan's Sneak Peak

Lauren and Brendan held their reception here at the club June 13. Working with Lauren and Brendan was TONS of fun as they are two very in love and very full of life people. Jana from Events in Bloom made the incredible centerpieces as well as Lauren's beautiful bouquet. Lauren Pauline of Lauren Pauline Photography capture the day and I cannot wait to see the pictures :) Lauren's sweet parents Diane and Joe wrote me the thank you letter below. Congratulations to both Lauren and Brendan!!

Dear Gretchen,

It is so difficult to find words to express our gratitude for all your have done to make Lauren's and Brendon's wedding at Hunter's Green absolutely spectacular! You orchestrated a magnificent affair, from the early morning Mimosas and bagels to the final touches of the sparkler send off. Your knowledge, experience and attention to detail kept the process running smoothly, from the time of the initial negotiations of the contract (even with the sudden date change) right through to coordination of vendors on the wedding day. We even saw you serving beverages and setting up the candy station on the day of the event! Needless to say, we have a VERY happy bride and groom, and very happy guest as well!

I'm sorry I did not get to thank you in person at the end of the evening. Please know that all of your efforts are deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for making this once-in-a-lifetime event such a beautiful experience for us.

Sincerely,

Diane and Joe Rappisi

Quinceanera Show

This past Sunday, Kristina from Eastlake Woodlands and Myself, participated in Tampa's Quinceanera Show held at the Event Factory. The show was put on by the Tampa Tribune and had a great turnout. There was also a fashion show in which Irelene, who held her quince here at Hunter's Green in October 2008, modeled. It was great to see her and her family again :). We met a lot of great contacts as well as other vendors at the show. We also brought along a chocolate fountain which was a huge hit!

Ashley's and Blaine's Baby Shower

A co-worker and friend Ashley held her baby shower here at the club this past Sunday June 7. Ashley's mom, Angie, and mother in law, Andrice, hosted the shower. I was lucky enough to not only be invited but also help with the planning and decor. Chef created an awesome menu including tenderloin sandwiches, grilled vegetables, fried banana cheesecake and much much more. Ashley and her husband Sven are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child Blaine in mid July. Ashley will be an amazing mother as she is an amazing friend and person! Congratulations to Both Ashley and Sven on this wonderful addition to their beautiful family!!

Matt and Colleen

Matt and Colleen traveled all the way from Montana to have their wedding here at Hunter's Green. This loving and gracious couple were one of the NICEST couples I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The amazing day was captured by Jen Bravo of Jen Bravo Photography. Matt's sweet mother, Jeanne, wrote the thank you note below. Best wishes from all of us here at Hunter's Green!!

Dear Gretchen,

How can I tell you how much I appreciate all your many kindnesses during the past few months as I prepared for Matt and Colleen's wedding? You answered all my questions, eased my worries & concerns and soothed my feelings. I couldn't have done it without you nor would I have wanted to!

Thanks for being so good at what you do. We wish you only the best now and always! God Bless!

The Ouellettes (especially Jeanne)

Andrea and Marcus

Andrea and Marcus were married at the club on April 17. This sweet couple was such a pleasure to work with. As you can see from the pictures, Andrea was not only a beautiful bride but also a very laid back bride. Below is the sweet note I received from Andrea. The photographs were taken by Carrie Wildes of Carrie Wildes Photography. Carrie is not only an awesome and talented photographer in Tampa but also a great friend of mine. My wishes to both Andrea and Marcus for many, many years of happiness.

Gretchen,

Thank you so much for everything you did to make sure our wedding was perfect. It is a day we will never forget and it couldn't have been better.

Sincerely,

Andrea

Merricks Bar Mitzvah

There are moments in my job when I feel truly blessed. Some how I get the BEST clients a venue could ask for. The Fuch's Family was no exception. I started helping Mr. and Mrs. Fuchs (members here at Hunter's Green Country Club) plan Merrick's special day back in August 2008. Mr Fuch's was full of wonderful and creative ideas that we were able to bring to life. As you can see from the pictures this family knows how to have a great time. Bottle Dancers (yes...just like Fiddler on the Roof) came all the way from Miami to carry Merrick in for his grand entrance. The Dancing Heads kept guest entertained all night as well as a stilt walker/balloon artist, band and dj.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Vendors

Upon meeting with brides for the first time, I always try to stress the importance of selecting the right vendors for their special day, especially vendors who will be surrounding her on the wedding day. Particularly important vendors include: hair and make up artist, bridal consultant,florist, videographer and photographer.

To keep the day as relaxing and stress free as possible, it's important to select vendors that are flexible, calm and have one's best interest in hand.

I always share with my brides, when selecting vendors, go with the ones that feel right . You need to know they are listening to you and will truly be your advocate during this special time.