Unforgettable Events by Dan Hathcock, AIFD, ISES

Rehearsal Dinner at Hammock Beach Resort

2009-09-25T15:11:00.008-04:00

Labor Day weekend at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida...and again on the Sundancer Yacht. WOW! This time the rehearsal dinner poolside got called for rain (70%) so we went to the "back up" plan...not bad, THE YACHT!!

The copper lanterns lit the walkway after sunset as the guests and children boarded the Sundancer. You'll just have to imagine how beautiful it was at night.

The tables were set with a variety of sea shells and bright mokara orchids against the Caribbean blue linens with white fishnet overlays.

Napkins were hand tied with blue ribbon running through a sand dollar.

The children had the best spot, right in front with colorful paper lanterns overhead. Their centerpiece was filled with items from "under the sea" to play with.

Cocktails and dinner were served on the upper deck. Unforgettable Events carried out the theme of the sea in the buffet arrangements.

Then downstairs for dessert....yummy!
We received a most beautiful thank you from Michelle and Porter.

Florida Grand Opera Holiday Party

2009-09-16T13:15:00.007-04:00

Florida Grand Opera Holiday Party was held in Ft. Lauderdale at the center seen below. Under the guidance of a staff of working professionals, FGO Young Artists work with renowned artists and teachers from every aspect of the world of opera while gaining valuable mainstage performance experiences.
Dan Hathcock and I ran into Olga Melin at the Darley Horse Farm Race and Cocktail Event in Ocala, Florida. We caught up on times past and began a relationship once again.Olga loved our decor and recommended that we provide decor for the holiday party.

Shimmering crystals with white lilies greeted the arriving guests as cocktails were sipped before dinner. Dan loved meeting Sonja Zuckerman, admired her turban and found out that she serves on the national board of directors for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. We are annual sponsors of the Cure Ball held in Jacksonville, providing full decor for their themed events.

We enjoyed meeting Gina Melin, of Milieu International, as well as Kevin Berlin, a renowned artist who happened to be in town.

Isa Leibowitz was fabulous to work with. We loved meeting Lady Blanka Rosensteil and a couple of months later we handled the decor for the Polonaise Ball (event is posted on our blog).

We were complimented on the decor. Dinner was delightful and we enjoyed listening to the artists and spending the evening with a new group of "friends".

Wedding Reception at Country Club of Ocala

2009-08-08T14:25:00.008-04:00

The Country Club of Ocala, located in North Central Florida, is nestled right in the middle of the rolling hills in Ocala. A casual atmosphere and private get-away made for a very special wedding reception for a very special couple.

We lined the walkway with twinkling candles on shepherd hooks.
The flowers were made by designers with care...and Dan couldn't wait to deliver them. It is so special having known this family over the years.
The bridal bouquet is delivered in our Unforgettable Events box for the bride to have as a keepsake from us.
The attendants were ready first. Does she remind you of Cameron Diaz? We will post the bride's picture when I receive images from the photographer.

Two styles of centerpieces adorned the tables. Linens of chocolate, some with sheer overlays, complimented the chairs and the carpeting.

The veranda ran the length of the ballroom and overlooked the serene lake and golf course.

And the cake was yummy!!

2009-07-26T20:45:00.012-04:00

The Cummer Museum was a great venue for the Fashsion Forward Show given by the Up & Cummers in Jax 2008. Here are some of the images that will make you want to see what we will be doing for 2009 at the Cummer Museum.

The BEFORE..
The AFTER.
Sign in at the front desk to this beautiful yellow rose arrangement.Lights shimmered in the courtyard as the sun set to create a magical evening as you entered the VIP area.

Here is Dan working on the special effects he placed not only at the registration desk but at the bar as well.
Finished bar piece...
a close up of the florals...

and a close up of the tropicals used on the bamboo panels.

Some of the attendees.
Dan's Unforgettable Events table, filled with emeralds just for Mrs. Betsy Lovett.

Everyone was pleased with our decor..so much so that we'll see you there again this Sep 18, 2009.

Dan Featured in Gainesville Magazine

2009-07-11T10:39:00.010-04:00

This is a great article about Dan in the Wedding Issue of Gainesville Magazine....enjoy !

Wedding and Reception at Golden Ocala Country Club

2009-07-10T16:34:00.016-04:00

Golden Ocala Country Club, one of our favorites for ceremonies at any time of day, is located in Ocala, FL and has magic in the beautiful gardens outside the courtyard with a view of the veranda.

Greens filled with a variety of white flowers decorate the arbor which is the site of this beautiful wedding.

The burst of color comes from the shepherd hook forals that line the aisle.

Unforgettable Events designs matching florals in this silver keepsake ring bearer box. Florals match the personal flowers.

A cigar smoking groom and friends provided the inspiration for the cigar boxes as centerpieces on some of the cocktail tables. The veranda, with panels of sheer pink in the arches, makes the setting for the cocktail hour before the reception.

The sweetheart table was the center of attention, with an overlay of sheer pink.

The long head table seated the bridal party with low arrangements so they could view the evening fun as it took place.

The ballroom was bright and colorful, even more so in the evening with the uplighting and all the votives lit.

Staggered vases held simple flowers for a large centerpiece with minimal cost.

The cake was a fun one...as was the mood of the evening.

As always, we enjoy working with the staff at Golden Ocala and are looking forward to our next event there.

Casa Monica Reception

2009-07-09T12:11:00.011-04:00

This room in the Casa Monica takes you to another place in time! It's an enchanting ballroom which can be transformed into an Arabian Nights Wedding.

Gold curly willow was the center of attention at the place card table. Hanging votives, crystal strands and large crystal diamonds hung from the branches.

The ballroom was uplit with amber lighting and the chandeliers complimented the amber hue that lit the room.

Unforgettable Events has the perfect linens that match the decor of this ballroom. Gold overlays that are encrusted with gold beading are gorgeous, matching the swirl on the cushioned chairs.

The centerpieces have matching crystal beads hanging from the top of the vase. Deep red roses and red orchids with the contrast of the white hydrangea and white anemonies fill the room with red hanging amaranthus to finish the look.

The beautiful paintings fill not only the ballroom but the cocktail area as well. The wall sconces are beaded in gold and red to add the finishing touch to the room and its marvelous decor.

The Casa Monica, a great place for a destination wedding.

Beach Party in Central Florida

2009-06-24T22:03:00.007-04:00

Feel the need for a Beach Party? Even in Ocala, FL? All you need is sand and water. So bring in some dumptrucks full of sand, beach umbrellas, a beautiful pool to stand in for the ocean and you're getting close.

Beach Volleyball:

Our host on his horse ranch turned beach in Ocala:
Dan loves designing pool floats:
View from the jacuzzi:
Tropical drinks under the tiki hut....

or at the indoor bar:

Derek plays the BEST party music...dancing well into the night.

Felix outdid himself once again....lobster and shrimp trees,

along with Unforgettable Events little tropical touches outside...
and inside as well.

Everyone was invited to stay and it was a rockin' party that we all enjoyed.

Llambias House & White Room Wedding, St. Augustine, FL

2009-06-21T22:11:00.011-04:00

Unforgettable Events was at the Llambias House in St. Augustine, FL once again for a destination wedding.
Short dresses are showing up more and more at our weddings.
The arbor was adorned with florals matching the bridal party bouquets.

Alternating green and orange orchids surrounded the wishing well topped with floating candles.
After the ceremony the party began at the White Room in St. Augustine. A beautiful venue with great views and a wonderful staff.

Napkins were shimmering green, tied with satin orange ribbon & a Mokara orchid.
Tall arrangements and lower arrangements balance the room decor.
Specialty pieces were designed for the bar.

And just in case you weren't in the mood for wedding cake.........have a donut!!!

Wedding Event Style Magazine Launch

2009-06-21T22:10:00.034-04:00

The Unforgettable Events team had a blast putting this one together. There's nothing like taking over the streets, a parking lot, The Landing dock and gorgeous yacht and get to do whatever we want.

Enter through UE's tiffany blue gateway and walk the white carpet to the Launch Party for Wedding Event Style magazine.

All of the guests enjoyed free valet parking....

and an open bar, under the clear tent erected by Kirby Tent Rental.

Crystals shimmered around the bar and the dance floor and vases were filled with white callas.

The launch party was catered by Chef's Garden of Jacksonville, FL. There were delicious combination plates as well as sushi and a dessert bar.

Unforgettable Events - BEFORE

and, AFTER

The BEFORE and AFTER at The Landing was spectacular - turquoise shimmer linen covered cocktail tables with florals adorning each one and a stylish silver Chaviari chair to complete the look...Unforgettable.

Lounge style furniture by Zeus , perfect for staging a special event. High quality event furniture in white leather with turquoise pillows were tailored to our needs.

Our very own magician, Jerus Spry...spryguymagic@yahoo.com entertained us for hours.

Captain Dane Myers and his crew brought in the Ginn Sundancer Yacht and the evening festivities began. A luxury vessel perfect for rehearsal dinner, bachelor/bachelorette party or an intimate wedding.

The ladies to call when booking at Epping Forest arrived just in time to board.

Jennifer and Liz of Chef's Garden put together a beautiful espresso and liquer bar on the main deck of the Sundancer.

BEFORE of the bar on the upper level......

and AFTER, the bar was the place to be.

The UE crew made sure everything flowed smoothly.

One of our future brides was in attendance.

Dino Casillas the Cigar Man from Edward's kept the cigar smokers happy outside on the top deck.

Janice Dauth from Black Tie Rentals stayed late and... although the party was supposed to end at 10:00 the moon rose over the river and we just couldn't bear to leave.

Many of the great shots taken by our good friends at SandRphotography. Thanks guys!!!

Emerald Grande in Destin, FL

2009-06-21T19:59:00.014-04:00

Unforgettable Events enjoyed another event in beautiful Destin, Florida. The Emerald Grande Resort sits on the tip of Harbor Boulevard with the most breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico and Destin Harbor. Pamper is the word with impeccable service and a hospitality standard unlike any other. We want to say a BIG thank you to Jackie Gibson and the staff for over the top assistance in meeting everyone's needs.

The ceremony site is spectacular. There is an elegant wedding staircase that leads to the deck.

Using our most popular gazebo, our bride, Megan, chose the softness of peach and pink to accent it against a clear sky.

Pink hydrangea and a variety of roses were just what she was looking for.
Softness continued as a contrast against the black linens and as the evening progressed...

the lighting added more charm. Tall centerpieces with orchids afloat and curly willow extending from the top created a heightened illusion in the ballroom.
Clear crystal strands hung from the curly branches as well as hand strung pink orchids.

Megan is such a feminine woman and wanted feather accents which we chose to add to the smaller arrangements. She even had a small one as an adornment for her hair and the groom's boutonniere.
The sweetheart table was also adorned with crystals as well as black calas to tie in with the linens and the groomsmen's boutonnieres.

Addison Fitzgerald , an award winning photographer from N. Florida, flew in with the couple from St. Augustine. His specialty is wedding photojournalism and Megan & Chris are having their event featured in Wedding Receptions Magazine.

January 2009 UE Featured in Main Ballroom

2009-05-19T17:40:00.006-04:00

Unforgettable Events by Dan Hathcock designed the runway decor, draping and beautiful white ostrich feathered palms for the bridal gown fashion show.The Renaissance Resort ballrooms lend themselves to beautiful draping on the ceiling as well as the walls.

Dan showcased some of his original tabletop settings just across from the runway. All of the brides got a peek and we received many who were interested in our style of work.Strands of crystals adorned not only the glassware but the chivari chairs as well.

Signature embroidered linens encrusted with beads are just one of the many linens at your disposal from Unforgettable Events.

The sweetheart table is Dan's interpretation of the wishes of the bride and groom.

Crystal candelabras provide an old age elegance to the centerpiece.

This table setting was one of the favorites. Lemon slices were suspended in gels and created a setting that was one of the favorites.

Funky linens add fun to the large and colorful arrangement.

Single stems in many vases allow the mixture of a variety of flowers on the tabletop.

Key Biscayne, FL

2009-05-18T17:22:00.013-04:00

Barefoot in the sand.....their dream wedding had special meaning at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne in Miami. The weather was perfect. The aisle of bamboo, adorned with orchids, made the path for the wedding party.

The beautiful bride and her custom designed bouquet...

They exchanged vows and then saved them in a corked bottle...perhaps to cast out into the sea just to find out if it returns to them.

And he sealed it with a kiss...

Not your everyday wedding party photo....

The reception was at the Rusty Pelican...one of the best views of Downtown Miami.

Red was the color of the day with submerged orchids and a floating candle centerpiece uplit on each table.

The sweetheart table arrangement was accented with purple sea fans and brightly colored ginger and orchids.Ana Paz designed the cake...hers are always delicious.
Lots of people, lots of planning. Jessica of Ultimate Affairs is your Miami / Miami Beach GO TO coordinator. Whenever we needed her she came through. Thanks again, Jessica.

Am Diabetes Assoc Cure Ball - Moroccan Nights

2009-05-04T11:51:00.017-04:00

The American Diabetes Association 2009 Cure Ball fundraiser, one of our favorite charitable events. This year's theme, Moroccan Nights, was exciting to design. Unforgettable Events went all out to create the perfect atmosphere for the evening.

Pictures by Unforgettable Events and S and R Photography

Red carpet treatment for the guests as they passed the colorful florals designs on the nubian statues.

Welcome to Moroccan Nights, complete with tented tables. shimmering coins, decorated candelabra centerpieces and palm trees.

Pots of fire filled the alcoves...

Colors of Morocco adorned the tables...

Special seating under the tents for cocktails...

and photo opportunities...

Hookahs donated by Vito's Restaurant added charm...

Karon, Carrol & Dan with our very special ADA member, Elizabeth

Patrick, Mike, a special guest--Ben Vereen, & Dan

There is a story here...
The Unforgettable Events interns... Jennifer, Holly & Alexandria

Our friend, Chef Matthew of Matthew's Restaurant

Mike and his "away from home mom" Barbara.

Karon, Dan, Bruce - designing together for years...

and longtime friend, Eddie, a new addition to the design team.

Our Jacksonville gal, Susan, all around helper / designer / comedian, who is always amazed at Dan's creative mind.

Gainesville Golf & Country Club Transformation

2009-04-03T10:26:00.005-04:00

Can you believe this is the entrance to the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. This bride had a vision and Dan went all out. It was Unforgettable....

Photos by JSPhotography

Casa Monica Poolside Ceremony

2009-03-11T18:06:00.009-04:00

St. Augustine is one of our favorite destinations. There are so many venues and lots of things to do to keep the guests happy during their stay. The Casa Monica provides a romantic Old World charm.

What a gorgeous day it was for a poolside wedding. As they drove into the Casa Monica entry in the limo and ascended the stairway to the pool deck they couldn't believe their eyes as they saw in awe the transformation. Hotel guests watched as the decor went up from their rooms in the morning and later made a point to come back to witness the ceremony.

Karen Erwin of St. Augustine Weddings and Special Events managed every detail so the couple could focus on their guests and the pleasures of the evening. She and her team kept the sequence of events flowing smoothly.

We are still waiting for the photographers images from the reception...check back soon.

Wedding at the Cummer Museum Jax, FL

2009-03-05T22:27:00.031-05:00

The Cummer Museum - a different and beautiful venue for a wedding. It provides a variety of areas to enjoy the evening. Dan, of Unforgettable Events, loves designing the entrance area for the oooh aaah effect. This is what greeted you as you entered the building. There was a signature board with their photos....they got lots of well wishes.

A peaceful walk through the courtyard brought you to finely arranged cocktail tables waitng for you to place your drink upon and chat with friends.

Bar decor...need I say more?

The reception area lends itself to any layout your heart desires. A wall of windows opens up into the garden and the bay.

UE designed the food station for the soup & salad, which was very good, catered by Chefs Garden, a regular at the Cummer Museum.In keeping with his Indian background the sweetheart table was adorned with UE jaimalas as well as one of Dan's special design pieces.

Moving to the back garden, tables were set up on the terrace as well as the lawn. The night lights shimmered as the evening progressed.After dinner it was inside again for drinks at the UE Martini Bar...Here is one of the happy bridesmaids...

and an exceptional bartender as well.. The cake was exceptional..it not only looked fabulous with the henna design but tasted fabulous as well.

From each wedding comes another...we're off to Destin.

Private Show at Renaissance Resort

2009-03-05T22:27:00.026-05:00

An private bridal show was held at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village on February 20, 2009. Couples were invited to view a mock ceremony, visit vendor booths during cocktail hour and enjoy a variety of foods prepared by their chef.

This collage shows a glimpse of our evening...

The ceremonial site was designed by Dan and included not only his talented florals but also the gazebo, uplighting and wall draping.

He provided a beautiful floral arrangement on the top with hanging votives on satin ribbon.

We created the reception for the tasting, softening the room with multilevel draping on the ceiling. We brought in chivari chairs, linens and centerpieces.

We also softened the wall with soft fabric and a swag effect at the top, uplilt from behind.A closer look at the ceiling treatment.

Just before the show our design team headed up to the Presidential Suite (a part of one of the resort packages) and added florals, as well as a few surprises, for the couples to see after the cake. The evening was a great success for the Resort as well as the vendors. We look forward to participating again in the future.

Wedding at Silver Springs, FL

2009-03-05T22:08:00.014-05:00

In the beautiful gardens at Silver Springs, Florida a very special couple exchanged vows in what will prove to be one of the happiest of marriages. They are dear to our heart as shown in Dan's special touches throughtout the day and evening.

Unforgettable Events by Dan.....Enjoy!

After the ceremony everyone followed the path to the dock where cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served. Glass Bottom Boats, famous at Silver Springs, were ready to take us on an evening tour of the springs.

Carrol, Dan and I headed to the reception hall to see the look on our friends faces as they saw what Unforgettable Events created for them.

The uplighting created magic as it danced on the silver coin draping.

Candle votives hung from the ceiling creating a starlit evening.

Silver satin linens adorned the tables.

And, as always the florals were specctacular.

The wedding cakes were perched on varying sizes of glass cylinders filled with cymbidium

orchids and selected flowers that matched her bouquet.

Photos by Unforgettable Events and nobadpics.com

The Polonaise Ball by American Institure of Polish Culture

2009-01-29T17:09:00.011-05:00

Unforgettable Events was honored to do the decor and create the vision Lady Blanka Rosenstiel saw for the Polonaise Ball this year. The gala was organized by the American Institute of Polish Culture and was held at the Surf Club on January 24, 2009. The 37th Intenational Polonaise Ball was a "Tribute to Mexico." The chairpersons of the Ball were Mr. Irena McLean - Laks of NY, Countess Barbara Pagowska - Cooper and Lady Blanka Rosenstiel.

The Countess is also the Vice-President of the American Institute of Polish Culture. Mrs. Irene LcLean - Laks is Institute's generous supporter.

Lady Blanka is the Founder and President of the American Institute of Polish Culture, Chopin Foundation and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland.
Recognized here is His Royal Highness King Kigeli V of Rwanda. Also welcomed were Polish President Lesh Walesa, the legendary "Solidarity" leader and a Nobel Peace Prize Winner. and Juan Miguel Gutierrez-Tinoco, Consul General of Mexico.

The White Eagle is the national coat of arms of Poland. It is a stylized white eagle with a golden beak and talons, and wearing a golden crown.

Dancers performed both Polish and Mexican folk dancing throughout the evening.

A stage was set as a tribute to Mexico with sombreros and serapes with white and ostrich feathered palm accents.

Columns were draped with sheer fabric and crystal lighting to add to the Polonaise Ball theme for the dance.

Good times were enjoyed by all those who attended.

Dan Hathcock and Barbara Fulmer were honored to be in attendance and proud to have been able to bring to life the vision of Lady Blanka.

Dan Hathcock and Lady Blanka Rosenstiel. The beginning of a wonderful relationship.

Palm Coast Wedding at Ginn Hammock Resort

2009-01-05T14:51:00.005-05:00

Ginn Hammock is a beautiful beach resort offering classic Florida luxury in a pristine setting. It is also a prime spot for the avid golfer. This an exciting venue for an Unforgettable Event.

However, in Florida we must always beware the summer weather.
Dan had a beautiful vision for this outdoor ceremony and sometimes what we put up must come down. So after a huge rainstorm with the threat of more to come, Plan B was put into action.

The gazebo was taken down but the flowers were used to make a magnificent setting indoors. The mood was not dampened, even though the grounds were.

Photos by: Rob Witzel

St. Augustine, FL at The Llambias House, St. Augustine, FL

2008-09-07T17:49:00.002-04:00

Unforgettable Events at the Llambias House & Gardens, St. Augustine, Florida. Vows were exchanged amid the antique surroundings of the historic house and garden.

The florals were designed to enhance the classic setting. Guests entered through tents that led to the ceremonial site. The ceremony took place in front of the wishing well.

Flowers and rose petals created wonderful scents and sights. As the sun set the candles glistened around the wishing well.

The personal flowers were as colorful as the couple and their attendants.

Photos by: Our Labor of Love

St. Augustine, FL at The Fountain of Youth

2008-08-22T16:15:00.002-04:00

Step into the past and have a drink from the Fountain of Youth. What a way to start a lifetime together and share a glass with all of your guests. This was truly a night to remember.

The brides's choice of exotic tropical flowers gave Dan's vision life.

The attendant bouquet was perfectly color coordinated with her gown.
Orchids adorned the heads of three very special friends of the bride.
Church decor tied the look together with the expectation of what was to come at the reception.

Unforgettable Events does spectacular clear tented parties that are talked about again and again. The clear tent let us see the beautiful birds and foliage as the sun set.

Dan's signature linens added the finish to the gorgeous centerpieces.

Chandeliers of tropical flowers surrounded by candle light hung from the top of the tent.

Dainty decor for cocktails of fine wines. At dusk the stars came out and all the flowers, surrounded by sparkling lights, showed their beauty. The mood transformed and the celebration went on for hours.

Photos by: Amy Oxner Photography and Rhesa Collop Photography 352.494.9730

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at TPC Sawgrass

2008-08-22T15:17:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful setting for a Mid Summer Nights Dream of a Wedding. I worked this event from the start and watched it evolve. When I entered the ballroom at the TPC Sawgrass that evening I got tears in my eyes.

The Sweetheart and Bridal Party table seated 16 and you can see for yourself the beautifully designed tree, surrounded by moss, wheatgrass and florals. Candles in crystal were hanging over the table creating a most awesome effect.

The chandeliers were filled with hydrangea and orchids. The linens were eggshell white with softly lit tall and short centerpieces.

Candles glistened off of the full table setting of crystal. The entrance to the clubhouse opened to the candlelit staircase leading to the ballroon.It was hard to pick our favorite of these shots. A great spot for the bridal party photos.

The bride came up to Dan with tears in her eyes saying "Dan, you really did make all my dreams come true."