Video of our Spring 2010 Preview Event

For those that missed our Annual Preview Event check out this video from from Washington Video about our Spring 2010 Preview Event on April 25, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zKPrceP0ic

Making Events Uniquely You!

CRISTINA MARIA SPECIAL EVENTS

You're Invited to the Spring 2010 Preview Event 4/25/10

Cristina Maria Special Events would like to invite you to join us and our fabulous group of Event Partners for the Spring 2010 Preview Event.

RSVP:

Space is limited. You must RSVP at here to get on the official guest list!

WHAT:

--Spring 2010 Preview Event--

Enjoy drinks and a catering tasting by MK Catering Inc, a wonderful weekend afternoon on THE beautiful rooftop in Rockville, music, entertainment, trends in event design, and more. Share the company of newlyweds; event clientele; wedding, b'nai mitzvah, & corporate vendors; and social and corporate event planners.

WHERE:

The Rooftop at Rockville’s Town Center (6th floor)

&

VisArts Center (2nd floor)

Rockville, MD

WHEN:

Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 1:00PM- 4:00PM

RAIN OR SHINE

WHY:

The Rooftop at Rockville’s Town Center, MK Catering Inc., Cristina Maria Special Events, & our Event Partners wanted to kickoff the spring weather (the warm weather we have all been so looking forward to after all that snow) with some fun! What a great way to spend an afternoon!

Guests will have the opportunity to come together to preview the services, talent, and products of our Event Partners, some of DC's top event professionals, who will simplify the planning process for you. Preview this chic venue space while enjoying beverages and a tasting by MK Catering, music by Electric Entertainment, entertainment by Washington Talent, and so much more!

ATTIRE: Casual

HOSTED BY:

VENUE (OUTDOOR) & LOUNGE FURNITURE

~ The Rooftop at Rockville’s Town Center

EVENT PLANNING, COORDINATION, & EVENT DESIGN

~ Cristina Maria Special Events

CATERING (FOOD, BEVERAGES, ILLUMINATED FURNITURE, WAIT STAFF, BARTENDERS, EQUIPMENT RENTALS)

~ MK Catering Inc.

EVENT PARTNERS FOR THE EVENT:

DRAPING

~ Syzygy Event Productions

ENTERTAINMENT – MUSIC (DJs)

~ Electric Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT – NOVELTIES (PHOTOBOOTH, GREEN SCREEN, GRAFFITI ARTIST, ETC.)

~ Washington Talent, Photo, & Video's Washington Video

FLORAL DESIGN

~ Greenworks Florist

LIGHTING

~ 27 Studios

PHOTOGRAPHY

~ Photography by Alexander

SIGNAGE

~ Exhibit Imaging

SPECIALTY FOOD SERVICE (CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN)

~ The Chocolate Chick

TABLE SETTING RENTALS

~ Capital Party Rentals

VENUE (INDOOR)

~ VisArts Center

VIDEOGRAPHY

~ Washington Video

WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENT CAKES

~ Creative Cakes

For questions, please contact Cristina Maria Special Events at info@cristinamariaevents.com or at 301-938-8383.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Cristina Maria Special Events

Making Events Uniquely YOU!

SPECIAL INVITATION: Weddzilla Rock the Launch Party

Cristina Maria Special Events, a Weddzilla Launch Partner, would like to extend a special invitation to you.

You are not going to want to miss out on Weddzilla's Rock the Launch Party taking place in our very own city of D.C. on Feb 25th! For more information on the event and to RSVP go to http://ow.ly/133li and officially be added to guest list.

Not only will you be able to network with brides and other top DC event professionals but the event will also include:

• Celebrity meet and greets with notable icons of the wedding industry

• Drinks & dining to enjoy

• Silent auction with 100% of the proceeds benefiting The Children's National Medical Center

• Amazing auction PRIZES including a one-night weekend stay at the Ritz Carlton in Tyson's Corner, a private tasting and group tour at Breaux Vineyards, and spa services courtesy of Salon Bleu.

• Diamond GIVEAWAY courtesy of Mervis Diamond Importers (every attendee will be presented with a Mervis "diamond" as they leave with a chance to wine the real Mervis diamond).

• Swag bag gifts for each guest

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Check out the event on FACEBOOK.

Did you hear about the FLASH MOB the day before the launch party? Already 300+ are planning on coming! The dance video is on You Tube. Secret location yet to be disclosed. 300+ people dancing in wedding dresses, veils, etc! Oh it will be a scene!!!!!! The Flash Mob will feature celebrity Steve Kemble, Weddzilla’s Sassiest Wedding Guru, a Red Carpet Correspondent for the American Music Awards and Golden Globes, star on TLC’s “Battle of the Wedding Planners,” and contributor to Us Weekly Magazine’s Fashion Police.

Here are some Weddzilla blog posts if you want the 411...

• Event
• Gurus
• Silent Auction
• Launch Partners
• Request a song

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT:
Weddzilla.com National “Rock the Launch” Event
Celebrity guests, wedding vendors and Nearlyweds will enjoy drinks and dining, celebrity meet-and-greets, and a silent auction with 100% of all proceeds benefiting The Children’s National Medical Center.

WHERE:
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C.

WHEN:
February 25, 2010 from 6:00PM- 9:00PM,
with press availability from 4:00PM- 5:30PM

WHY:
Weddzilla.com’s Washington, DC “Rock the Launch” Event will kickoff their National Launch right in the heart of the Nation’s Capitol. Nearlyweds’ and vendors will have the opportunity to come together to celebrate the site launch and the simplifying of the wedding planning process.

HOSTED BY & SPECIAL GUESTS
The event will be hosted by Weddzilla’s Sassiest Wedding Guru, Steve Kemble, a Red Carpet Correspondent for the American Music Awards and Golden Globes, star on TLC’s “Battle of the Wedding Planners”, and contributor to Us Weekly Magazine’s Fashion Police.

Introduction to the star-studded Weddzilla Guru Panel. Come and meet all of our Guru's at the launch party!

CAKE GURU
Ron Ben-Israel, Celebrity cake artist and TV personality

FITNESS GURU
Sue Fleming, Celebrity fitness expert, Founder of Buff Fitness

ETIQUETTE GURU
Diane Forden, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Guide Magazine

ADVICE GURU
Sharon Naylor, Nationally acclaimed author and columnist

INVITATION GURU
Lisa "Ceci" Johnson, Founder of Ceci New York, renowned graphic designer and Invitation Innovator

SASSIEST WEDDING GURU
Steve Kemble, National TV, Radio and Magazine personality

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Weddzilla.com, the first online social wedding platform to fully integrate the wedding planning process into popular social networks, allows Nearlyweds to collect, plan, shop, and connect with vendors Nationwide, at no cost. By leveraging proprietary technology and established online communities, Weddzilla ensures a more efficient, interactive and social wedding planning experience.

Cristina Maria Curcio, Owner/Wedding & Event Planner
www.cristinamariaevents.com

Making events Uniquely YOU!

The Examiner examines Cristina Maria Special Events

Cristina Maria Special Events was featured in the Examiner!

If you haven't all ready had a chance to check it out click here to read the article on our event last summer. We co-hosted it with Mervis Diamond Importers. We featured MK Catering, the Chocolate Chick, and Professional Bartenders & Servers.

We had so much fun planning and executing this themed special event. It was our delight to share it with our invited guests.

Planning an event starts out with one simple idea. We enjoy helping the idea come to life by bringing all the elements of a special event all together.

CRISTINA MARIA SPECIAL EVENTS

Making Events Uniquely YOU!

Voted Top Vote Getter in Bethesda Magazine!

Thank you to all those client, vendors, fans, and friends of Cristina Maria Special Events who voted for us in Bethesda Magazine's Best Of survey.

We are excited to share with you that we won Top Vote Getter for the Best Party Planner of 2009!

As promised to our Facebook fans and Twitter followers here is the page where Cristina Maria Special Events was featured.

Thanks again to all those who voted! We are honored to be one of your favorites and we will continue to work hard to bring the best service to our clients.

To our beloved vendors, THANK YOU! We couldn't do it out without your quality service and products. We are lucky to work with such excellent professionals that prove with each and every event how creative and flexible you are.

CRISTINA MARIA SPECIAL EVENTS

Making Events Uniquely YOU!

2010 Bridal & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Showcases

Find a handy listing of the DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia showcase and expositions for brides-to-be and b'nai mitzvah-to-be.

Please refer back to this posting frequently for updates on showcases and expos for 2010. More and more will be added throughout the year.

Bridal

The Great Bridal Expo:

• Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center (Alexandria, VA) 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ticket price $7 online and $9 at door)

Washington Bridal Showcase:

• Sunday, January 17 at Martin's Corsswinds (Greenbelt, MD) 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ticket price $8 online and $10 at door)
• Sunday, January 24 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (Bethesda, MD) 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ticket price $8 online and $10 at door)
• Sunday, January 31 at Dulles Expo Center (Chantilly, VA) 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ticket price $8 online and $10 at door)
• Sunday, April 18 at Patriot Center @ George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ticket price $8 online and $10 at door)

TO GET FREE TICKETS: The Wedding Dance Specialists is giving away free tickets to the Washington Bridal Showcase. All you have to do is become a fan to their page on Facebook,then email (info@theweddingdancespecialists.com), call (703-626-7016), or send them a private Facebook message with your mailing address, indicate which Bridal Show date you plan to attend, and then they will send you a free ticket. Limit one per fan. You can find about a lot of DC-area events, savings, and more. For example, they just announced on the Fan page that they will be running a Valentine's Day Sale on dance lessons soon.

Creative Cakes Open House (Silver Spring, MD) 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (FREE admission just register online):

• Sunday, January 17, 2010
• Sunday, February 21, 2010
• Sunday, March 21, 2010
• Thursday, April 18, 2010
• Sunday, May 16, 2010
• Sunday, June 20, 2010
• Sunday, July 18, 2010
• Sunday, August 15, 2010
• Sunday, September 19, 2010
• Sunday, October 17, 2010
• Sunday, November 21, 2010

Washingtonian Bride & Groom Unveiled - Ultimate Wedding Showcase:

• Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Mandarin Oriental Washington DC (Washington, DC) 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (ticket price $55 online only)

Rockville's Glenview Mansion 11th Annual Bridal Expo:

• Sunday, January 31 at Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park (Rockville, MD) 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ticket price $5 at door only)

Prince George's County Annual Bridal Expo:

• Sunday, January 31 at Newton White Mansion (Mitchellville, MD) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ticket price $5 at door only)

Wedding Wednesdays (for vendors and brides):

• First Wednesday of each month at Seasons Cards and Gifts at the Marketplace at Madison Crescent (Gainesville, VA) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (no admission)

ADDRESS: 8014 Crescent Park Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155

The Pros Bridal Showcase:

• Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Bethesda Marriott (Bethesda, MD) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Waterford at Fair Oaks (Fairfax, VA) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Martin's Crosswinds (Greenbelt, MD) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Waterford at Springfield (Springfield, VA) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Bethesda Marriott (Bethesda, MD) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Waterford at Fair Oaks (Fairfax, VA) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Martin's Crosswinds (Greenbelt, MD) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Thursday, April 15, 2010 at Waterford at Springfield (Springfield, VA) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Bethesda Marriott (Bethesda, MD) 6:45 p.m. (tickets are FREE just contact The Pros here for your ticket)

For a list of their showcases in the Baltimore and Annapolis area click here.

Engaged! in Washington Bridal Show:

• RESCHEDULE (because of Feb. '10 snowapocalypse) from Friday, February 5 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. to Sunday, March 28, 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at The Four Seasons Hotel, The Hay-Adams, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotel, and The Willard Intercontinental Hotel (Washington, DC) (ticket price $65 online only)

The Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show:

• RESCHEDULE (because of Feb. '10 snowapocalypse) from Saturday, February 6 to Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Stephen Decatur House Museum (Washington, DC) 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (ticket price $25 or $35 at door - 2 different prices listed online)

Northern Virginia Bridal Event at Stonewall Golf Club:

• Sunday, February 3, 2010 at Stonewall Golf Club (Gainesville, VA) 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (FREE admission)

8th Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Jewish Wedding Simcha Showcase:

• Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg (Gaithersburg, MD) 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (ticket price FREE just need to register here)

Wedding Expo 2010:

• Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Wyndham Garden Inn (Gaithersburg, MD)

Rock the Launch of Weddzilla (for vendors and brides):

• Thursday, February 25, 2010 at The National Museum for Women in the Arts (Washington, DC) 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (FREE admission just need to register here to be added to guest list)

Hosted by Weddzilla’s Sassiest Wedding Guru, Steve Kemble, a Red Carpet Correspondent for the American Music Awards and Golden Globes, star on TLC’s “Battle of the Wedding Planners”, and contributor to Us Weekly Magazine’s Fashion Police.

Cristina Maria Special Events is a Launch Partner! Stop by to enjoy with us some specialty cocktails, culinary creations, celebrity meet-and-greets, and a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting The Children’s National Medical Center.

Fort Belvoir Annual Bridal Fair:

• Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Fort Belvoir Officers' Club (Fort Belvoir, VA) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ticket price $7 at door only)

TIG Wedding Expo and Fashion Show 2010:

• Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Sheraton Crystal City Hotel (Arlington, VA) 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (FREE admission)

A Chic Affair Bridal Showcase (top DC event professionals) - includes a RUNWAY FASHION SHOW:

• Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Long View Gallery (Washington, DC) 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (ticket price $30 online only and $35 online only if purchase after February 1st)

SAVINGS: Buy your tickets before February 1st and save $5.

Cristina Maria Special Events will be there with one of my preferred caterers, MK Catering Inc.!!!!!! Make sure you come by to check out MK Catering's exquisite food and presentation!

Spring Bridal Showcase at Kentlands Mansion:

• Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Kentlands Mansion (Gaithersburg, MD) 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (tickets $5 at door only)

Charm City Brides & Grooms Expo:

• Thursday, June 10, 2010 at Pier 5 Hotel/Harbor Magic (Baltimore, MD) 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Spring 2010 Preview Event (for brides, event planners, and vendors):

• Sunday, April 25, 2010 at The Rooftop at Rockville Town Center (Rockville, MD) 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (must RSVP to attend event - RSVP site TBA)

Come by to say hi as I will be there! Cristina Maria Special Events is co-hosting with Rooftop at Rockville Town Center and MK Catering Inc.! It is an opportunity for brides, event planners, vendors alike to check out some of newest and freshest services and products, view 2010-2011 hot trends, and meet the exclusive list of event planners and vendors that will be invited to this special event. All while enjoy drinks, a food tasting, and more!

Wash Mystics Bridal Expo - Brides & Basketball:

• TBD

Jewish Health, Wealth, & Lifestyle Expo:

• TBD

B'nai Mitzvah

Mitzvah Madness:

• Monday, March 22, 2010 at B'nai Shalom of Olney (Olney, MD) 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (ticket price FREE just need to register here) hosted by my friends at Washington Talent, Photo, & Video Agency

8th Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Jewish Wedding Simcha Showcase:

• Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg (Gaithersburg, MD) 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (ticket price FREE just need to register here)

Mitzvah Zone '10:

• Hosted by my friends at Electric Entertainment - date TBD

Jewish Health, Wealth, & Lifestyle Expo:

• TBD

****TIP****

Don't know which vendors to work with? Not sure you will be able to see past the booths and promotional displays to see in fact who will provide you with the best quality for the best price? If you hired me you would not need to go to the expos. As we all know and have learned, referrals guarantee a level of excellence in service. Save money and the hassle by hiring an Event Planner.

Expos can feel overwhelming with the crowds and inundation of information. Because of the number of vendors at the expos, it may not afford you the time to really get to know all the vendors, their vartiety of products and services, their quality of service, and their pricing options.

Just let me know what you have in mind for your wedding, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, or special event and I can recommend the venues and vendors that are right for you. I am happy to be your Wedding Planner, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner, or Day of Coordinator. Vendor Referrals are just one of the services I provide in my partial planning and full service planning packages. Let me help you by referring the right vendors and venues that fit your needs, style, and budget.

It helps to know a return customer (that's me!) that is familiar with the vendors out of the seemingly endless list that is available in the DC area. I can help narrow down that long list to the key vendors who would work best with you and your vision.

Contact me, Cristina Curcio of Cristina Maria Special Events, today at info@cristinamariaevents.com or 301-938-8383 for more information about what I can do for you to lessen the hassle and stress of wedding planning, bar/bat mitzvah planning, and day of coordination. I am a professional perfectionist and organizer so I am prepared to take on the burden for you. Enjoy your engagement or at the very least the last month before your special day!

Happy planning!

CRISTINA MARIA SPECIAL EVENTS

Making events uniquely YOU!

Cristina Maria in the news again!

Feel free to check out the 2-page online article of the Cristina Maria Special Events red carpet event for Jim Coleman Cadillac of Bethesda and Washngton Life Magazine!

http://www.washingtonlife.com/2009/11/01/red-carpet-curb-appeal-at-coleman-cadillac/

Stay tuned for pictures from the event!

Cristina Maria featured in the Washington Life Magazine

Washington Life Magazine has listed Cristina Maria Special Events in their September issue's 2009 Balls & Galas The Hot List for Event Planners.

Washington Life is a wonderful publication which focuses on local DC-area events and vendors. It was established in 1991 and is the premier luxury-lifestyle magazine in the metropolitan area. They cover the area's most exclusive private parties, galas, fundraisers, art openings, fashion shows, and weddings. Being featured on their list of recommended event planners is quite the honor! Be sure to stay tuned for their wedding issue in May.

I have a few extra copies! Send me an email at info@cristinamariaevents.com if you’d like to pick up a free copy in my Tysons Corner office or Maryland office.

We are also featured on their list of Preferred Event Planners.

The Examiner Covers Our Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree

Feel free to check out The Examer's coverage of the Diamonds & Chocolate Soirée here.

Photo by McArthur Newell, II of BoldLifestyle Photography

For more pictures of the event check out the Jason Weil Photography pictures featured on the Cristina Maria Special Events page on Facebook and DC Metromix's pictures.

It wouldn't have been possible without all my wonderful vendors involved. They did such an amazing job as always!

Venue: Mervis Diamond Importers (DC location)

Caterer (Appetizers & Chocolate Desserts): MK Catering Inc., Joseph Choueike

Chocolate Fountain: The Chocolate Chick, Hilary Bradley

Diamonds & Jewelry: Mervis Diamond Importers

Bar Service & Signature Drink Designers: Professional Bartenders & Servers, Robert Gold

Invitation Design: Altronics Communications, Inc., Martin Posse

Photographer: Jason Weil Photography, Jason Weil

Rentals: MK Catering Inc., Joseph Choueike

Custom jewelry worn by Cristina Curcio: Meghan Rose Jewelry, Meghan Mullaney

Event Planner: Cristina Maria Special Events, Cristina Curcio

Welcome you to vote for 'Cristina Maria Special Events' in Bethesda Magazine’s Best Of List

Hi Friends,

I greatly appreciated your support for and business with Cristina Maria Special Events. I would be so grateful if you could please take a moment to vote for 'Cristina Maria Special Events’ in Bethesda Magazine’s Best Of List as the 'Best Party Planner' (category #64) at www.bethesdamagazine.com.

I recently joined one of my preferred caterers, MK Catering Inc. to manage their social events and receptions. I would be grateful if you added ‘MK Catering Inc.’ as the ‘Best Caterer’ (category #63).

It just takes a few seconds to vote especially if you use the list of suggested names below.

To learn more about MK Catering at www.mkcatering.com or feel free to contact me at cristina@mkcatering.com. There are several reasons they have been at the top of my list. They have always offered high quality food, service, and products; affordable prices; and custom packages. Now being hands on I am fortunate enough to offer my clients and friends even more tailored service and prices. Anyone who has been to one of my events has witnessed how they truly are a one-stop shop for all event planning needs and offer absolutely beautiful and delicious food. Of course my event planning clients do not have to work exclusively with them but more often than not they do for all the same reasons MK Catering has been one of my preferred vendors. Check out some of the mouthwatering pictures from the Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree on my blog.

The deadline for voting is in a little more than 24 hours away on Friday, September 18^th at 5:00 p.m.

For your vote to count for us, you need to answer a minimum of 25 Best Of’s. For those who are not local to Bethesda and the surrounding areas would like some suggestions, please view my list of 25 suggestions below.

To vote go to www.bethesdamagazine.com and then click on the blue bar towards the top of the page that reads “Take the ‘Best of Bethesda’ Readers’ Poll >.”

Thank you for taking the time to support your #1 Party Planner and #1 Caterer!

Thank you to those who have all ready voted!

With Many Thanks,

Cristina

1. BEST New Restaurant (in Montgomery County): Nest

9. BEST Sushi Restaurant: Raku

11. BEST Outdoor Dining: Mia’s Pizza

14. BEST Frozen Yogurt/Gelato: Café Gelato

15. BEST Place to Buy Bread: Georgetown Bagelry

17. BEST Gourmet Store: River Falls

18. BEST Deli: The Market on the Boulevard

20. BEST Boutique: Lemon Twist

21. BEST Place to Buy Jeans: Denim Bar

24. BEST Place to Buy Bathing Suits: South Moon Under

25. BEST Consignment Shop: Second Chance

26. BEST Place to Buy an Engagement Ring: Mervis Diamond Importers

29. BEST Party Store: Paper Store

31. BEST Hospital: Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

35. BEST Pediatric Dentist: Dr. Catherine Dietrich Pulse

40. BEST Hair Salon: Thierry Axaopoulos of Virtu Studios

43. BEST Personal Trainer: Stacy Neal of Anytime Fitness

48. BEST Private School for Sports: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

49. BEST Private School for Academics: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

52. BEST Summer Camp (Day Camp): Summer CampUs of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

59. BEST Amusement Park (within a 3-hour drive): Kings Dominion

63. BEST Caterer: MK CATERING INC.

64. BEST Party Planner: CRISTINA MARIA SPECIAL EVENTS

66. BEST Realtor: Cara Pearlman of Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc

79. BEST Financial Planner: Ben T. Jolly of John Hancock Financial Network

Fabulous Signature Drinks & Beverage Event Planning Tips

I'm so glad everyone had as much fun as I did at the Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree. That's what it was all about! Thank you to everyone for your emails and messages.

The signature drinks created for the Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree were a big hit! They were cleverly intertwined into the "diamonds & chocolate" theme with their special names, Diamond Chocolate martini, Ruby Red Peach martini, and the Emerald Apple martini. They were sparkling with color sugar rims to match the drink of choice. We think of everything!

Photo by Jason Weil Photography

Now let me share the recipes and event planning tips involving the signature cocktail. You will be excited to find out how you can actually save on your planning budget when it comes to your beverages.

There are several fun and creative signature drinks and specialty bars you can plan for a special event. You could have one or more of the following specialty bars: margarita bar, daiquiri bar, or wine bar. For non-alcoholic options you could have a coffee bar, hot chocolate bar, smoothie bar, or milkshake bar. There are signature drinks that are non-alcoholic too so that those guests who choose not to drink can be included in the fun such as flavored waters each in a different hue. for a special twist provide sparkling water as an option for the flavored waters. You can also provide carafes of specialty juices.

Of course, for our special event we went for the elegant option of a martini bar.

Oh delish those signature drinks were!

Invitation Designed by Altronics Communications, Inc.

Check out the yummy ingredients of our 3 signature martinis below. Have fun making them at your own special event. I highly recommend Professional Bartenders & Servers if you are interested in excellent and experienced bartending service at your event.

Photo by Jason Weil Photography

Bar Service provided by Professional Bartenders & Servers

Diamond Chocolate Martini
• White Crème de Cacao
• Vodka
• Optional: White sugar rimmed glass

Ruby Red Peach Martini
• Peach Schnapps
• Grenadine
• Sour Mix
• Vodka
• Optional: Red sugar rimmed glass

Emerald Apple Martini
• Sour Apple Pucker
• Sour Mix
• Vodka
• Optional: Green sugar rimmed glass

To tie into our blue color theme I selected this sleek blue lit glass bar from MK Catering Inc. It was the perfect size for this area of the Mervis Diamond Importers store. You always have to be thinking about the floor plan when designing an event. We selected a spot in the back of the store that was optimal for the flow of traffic of the guests.

Photo by Jason Weil Photography

Bar provide by MK Catering Inc.

It is so simple, easy, and inexpensive to dress up your own cocktail party by adding those little details that make it so special and impressive. Signature drinks are just one way to do that no matter what type of special event you are hosting or the number of guests who are attending. Creating a couture cocktail is one way to add to your event's theme and ambience, make a statement about your style, and to share something about yourself (or in the case of a wedding, about your love story). You can be creative in designing your drink with the bartending service or catering manager by infusing your color theme, a location (either of where the event is taking place or of where the hosts originate from), or adapt your favorite drink of choice.

At one of the weddings I planned I worked with the bride and groom to incorporate this element into their cocktail hour. Because it was a destination wedding that took place in Puerto Rico, we planned for carafes of red and white sangria as well as a mojito bar using the Puerto Rican rum Bacardi. At the mojito bar guests could get in the festive mood by selecting which flavored mojito they would like to enjoy. We also incorporated that into the party favors in several ways but that is a story for another post.

In addition to adding personality and style to a special event, signature drinks are a great way to cleverly curb your bar bill. Also not to mention it adds to that wow factor that makes it memorable.

I bet you didn't realize that helpful saving tip. The bar bill is one of the most expensive elements of an event. It is great when you know how to avoid that part of the budget from getting out of hand. I know several more ways to save on your bar bill. Feel free to contact me at info@cristinamariaevents.com for more helpful tips.

For more information check out the blog posts labeled 'Event Planning 101,' 'Event Style Ideas,' 'Real Weddings' (coming soon!), 'Themed Party Ideas,' 'Tips,' 'Ways to Save,' 'Weddings,' and there are so many more to choose from. Also feel free to contact Cristina Maria Special Events at info@cristinamariaevents.com with any questions.

Shine in your moment!

DC Metromix pictures of the Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree

DC Metromix has posted their pictures from my Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree event this past Wednesday. The wonderful professional pictures shot by Jason Weil Photography will be available in a week. In the meantime, DC Metromix has put up their pictures of the special event. Check it out!

Yep! That's me, Cristina Curcio of Cristina Maria Special Events on the left with my fellow hosts (from left to right) Jon Mervis of Mervis Diamond Importers, Hilary Bradley of The Chocolate Chick, and Joseph Choueike of MK Catering Inc.

Bling, bling! As I mentioned before, my family has been a big fan of Mervis Diamond Importers' diamonds and ring sets for years. Featured in this picture are the Mervis diamond rings of Hilary Bradley (The Chocolate Chick), my mother, and one of my younger sisters.

One lucky gentleman took advantage of the exclusive sale going on that one night only. What did he purchase you wonder? Yes! A diamond engagement ring!

He was not the only person to walk away with a beautiful piece of jewelry for such a great deal. We had several lucky ladies who purchased some absolutely outstanding pieces. Stay tuned to this blog, my page on Facebook, and the Mervis Diamond Importers page on Facebook to learn of other special events and exclusive sales.

Let me guess. You are thinking, "So mouthwatering!" They sure were. MK Catering Inc. provided us with absolutely delicious chocolate desserts. I would tell you my favorite if I had one. I didn't because I LOVED THEM ALL! Just ask anyone who was at the special event. They were so yummy. Check out DC Metro's pictures of the special event to see more of the tasty treats that were available to our guests.

In addition, they pleasured our palates with amazing passed hors d'ouevres that showcased the wonderful talent of Chef Patrick Moulet of MK Catering Inc. He never ceases to amaze me. He has always creates such exquisite food. They truly demonstrated their ability to prepare multi-cultural food yet it was all cohesive at the same time; While your taste buds went on an international tour of the world, you enjoyed the fun and dazzling jewels right here in the heart of DC at Mervis Diamond Importers. After all, Chef Moulet has traveled and studied nationally and internationally to France, Thailand, Europe, and South America to acquire his culinary experience.

In addition to diamonds and chocolate, one of the highlights of our special event was the complimentary signature drinks designed specifically for this event. Professional Bartenders & Servers was nice enough to mix us up some mighty tasty concoctions, if I have to say so myself.

Weren't there and want to know what the delicatable drinks of choice were or want to see pictures of the 1st ever diamond chocolate fountain? Were there and want to get your hands on the recipes? I will be featuring a few posts over the next couple of weeks on my blog regarding the special event - the professional pictures from Jason Weil Photography, announcement of the raffle winner, hors d'oeuvres menu, signature drink recipes, and more. Stay tuned!

Also Weddzilla (an outstanding wedding website) already posted some pictures on their blog. I thought you might like to see that too.

I am glad so many of you were able to come and have as much fun as I did planning the event! I couldn't done it without my friends at Mervis Diamond Importers and the tremendous service and product of MK Catering Inc., The Chocolate Chick, Professional Bartenders & Servers, Inc., Altronics Communications, Inc., and Jason Weil Photography.

Thanks again for coming!

Shine in your moment!

Weddings Unveiled

Cristina Maria Special Events' Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree special event is featured on the Weddings Unveiled Magazine blog. Check out more on the magazine here. Get inspired. I know I do!

Shine in your moment!

1st EVER $100,000 CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!

I posed the question, "What's could possibly be yummier than diamonds and cupcakes?" in my recent blog posting. If you were like me last spring you thought there could be no better pairing that diamonds and cupcakes. But together Mervis Diamond Importers and I, Cristina Maria Special Events, are hosting a special event that will top the diamond encrusted cupcake... Diamonds & Chocolate Soiree. Yep, I said it ladies... CHOCOLATE!

One June afternoon at lunch the idea of "diamonds and chocolate" was born. Jon Mervis clearly understands the way us women think. He came up with the absolutely genius idea and I brought it to life bringing by kick starting the event planning needed to bring this all together in a short period of time. When Jon talked to me about the exquisite combination two vendors immediately came to mind. I quickly brought on board both The Chocolate Chick and MK Catering that I knew could bring this heavenly concept to life with their delectable chocolate desserts and wonderful service.

Please view the invitation below for this exclusive luxurious event! I would like to invite my readers to be my guests at this special event in just 2 weeks!

On July 22nd you will get to taste from the first ever $100,000 chocolate fountain. You'll have to see it to believe it! This special treat is compliments of Mervis Diamond Importers and The Chocolate Chick. I've seen it and its gorgeous and not to mention DE-licious!

Doesn't that invitation just make your mouth water?! My friends at Altronics Communications, Inc. did such a wonderful job! Wait and see what they did with the drink menu. Your taste buds won't want to wait to enjoy one of our cocktails.

Don't worry. You will be able to satisfy your tasty buds soon enough. From the help of my friends at MK Catering, Inc. you also will be able to indulge yourself with some tasty chocolate desserts and passed h'or d'oeuvres. In addition, they will be providing the blue light glass bar and their top of the line servers. It is only the best for the clients, fans, and friends of Cristina Maria Special Events.

It doesn't stop there. Courtesy of Professional Bartenders & Servers, Inc. you will be able to enjoy 3 signature drinks created just for this special event!

And it keeps getting better... while enjoying all of these treats and so much more, you can try on wonderful diamond jewelry pieces and view Mervis Diamond Importers' wide selection of diamonds. They will be offering a special discount prices on all jewelry at the store only for this event. If you are in the market for jewelry or enjoy pretty things, you won't want to miss this! There is a reason afterall that all the women in my family have Mervis Diamond rings. Check out other featured jewelry from Mervis on this blog under the "Trunk Show" label.

I am honored to have my friends at Jason Weil Photography be a part of this extraordinary special event. I can't wait to see his photographs of the 1st ever diamond chocolate fountain! You will be able to access his photographs after the event.

Our special event will be featured in the Washington Life Magazine's September Issue. You might be in the magazine's pages amongst pictures of Hollywood's & DC's top celebrities at events here in the best city in the world, Washington D.C.!

In addition, DC Metromix of CBS WUSA Channel 9 will be present. You might be lucky enough to be featured in our special event in their photo gallery.

To be on the special event guest list, please make sure to RSVP by Monday, July 20th.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends.

On behalf of Cristina Maria Special Events and my wonderful event industry friends, who are some of the top wedding and event professionals in the DC area and have worked with me to put this extravagent special event together, we hope you will come and have fun on us! I know we will!

Shine in your moment!

Save-the-Date! September 12th, 2009

The save-the-date for the 3rd Annual Turning the Page Gala event I mentioned yesterday went out this morning! Here's your very own copy of the invitation! I hope you can join us!

Don't miss THE gala of the fall 2009 season & help a child in OUR area in need

For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, you know that I always like to share everything fun going on with events whether it is tips for your own event or details on fun, local events going on. After all this is the "Everything Events" blog.

Well I have another fun event to share with you. This September is the Third Annual Turning the Page Gala. If you haven't already heard of the absolutely wonderful non-profit organization, I feel privileged to share a little bit of Turning the Page's story, their mission, and their gala with you.

History of Organization and Gala
Turning the Page (TTP) was founded in 1998 in response to the challenges facing the DC public school system. Since that time, TTP has partnered with public elementary and middle schools in Northeast and Southeast DC, working to increase parental involvement in the schools and provide teachers with resources to support their classroom lessons. They have distributed more than 60,000 new books to children, held more than 700 events for families, and worked with more than 300 teachers and their 3,000+ students to introduce arts and science-based educational activities into their classrooms.

2009 marks their 11th year in service to the public school community and our 3rd annual fundraising gala. This year’s event will be held at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and will be an evening for 200 supporters in the DC business and philanthropic community to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2008-2009 school year and also raise funds to support TTP’s programs in 2009-2010. Their fundraising goal for the event this year is $45,000 which will allow them to maintain their programs at current levels despite a difficult funding environment. Their goal is to raise $10,000 from their impressive selection of silent auction items. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the gala and silent auction will support TTP’s programs in their seven partner schools.

Turning the Page 2008-2009: By the Numbers

• 7 School Partners in Wards 5-8
• 56 Community Nights which included parent workshops, book giveaways, child mentoring and family dinners;
• 14 Author visits as part of Community Nights where parents shared an evening talking with local and nationally known children’s authors;
• 590 parents and their approximately 1,000 children participated in Community Nights;
• 5,000+ new, high-quality children’s books distributed to families during workshops and through child mentoring;
• 40 university students devoted more than 1,800 hours reading with and leading educational activities for students during Community Nights;
• 26 teachers and their more than 440 students participated in a ten week photography and writing program, visiting the Anacostia Community Museum or National Building Museum;
• 9 teachers and their more than 180 students participated in a 24 week photography and writing program; each student visited 4 museums, took 4 rolls of film and will exhibit their work in the Phillips Collection this summer;
• 50+ teachers participated in professional development sessions aimed at increasing parental involvement in their schools.

Details of the Gala:

When: Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Carnegie Institution of Washington

Attire: Black-Tie & Elegant Attire Requested

Featuring: Professional photography by Sara Duke Biscoe Photography, live music by Keith Matthis & Exclusive Report, an open bar with wine and specialty martinis, a silent auction, passed h'or d'oeuvres, and catered sit-down dinner.

Tickets: Please contact me at info@cristinamariaevents.com for ticket information. I will be able to offer you a limited time ticket price at a discounted rate.

Information: To find out more information on the 3rd Annual TTP Gala and the Turning the Page organization please click on the linkable text.

Your Help:

Whether you can attend the gala or not there are others way you can lend a helping hand. TTP always appreciates the support whether you volunteer your time or your money. Every contribution big and small makes a HUGE difference. If you would like to donate today please click here if you are interested in volunteer opportunities and here if you would like to make a financial contribution. Times are tough these days for us all but times area always tough for these children. On behalf of Cristina Maria Special Events and Turning the Page thank you for your help and support!

I'm honored that Cristina Maria Special Events can be a part of such a wonderful event for an organization that really makes a difference right here in our own city. I hope you will be able to be a part of the event too.

Cristina Maria is online!

Big news! This weekend Cristina Maria Special Events' official company website was launched! Check out our webpage at cristinamariaevents.com!

More will be add to our site soon. For those in need of a highly professional and creative web designer and developer, I am happy to recommend the services of Jon Carey Lechliter. He is actually one of my former clients! Oh how the tables have turned. Once upon a time I was the calming voice who brought his and his bride-to-be's vision for a destination wedding to life (see "Real Weddings" label coming soon for more on their wedding) and now he is that voice for me. We have hired his excellent services so that we can leave it to the professional to do his job so we can do ours, helping you!

Finally after almost 2 years of freelance wedding and event planning, I'm online with my company! My company was launched in January 2009. It was a long time coming. After several years of social and corporate event planning experience, I'm proud to say I work for myself and I'm now online! My team and I are very excited about all the big, new and exciting changes that are coming!

As anyone who knows me would tell you, I'm a born connector. I enjoy helping others and connecting them to other people and resources. Whether by day connecting clients with the right vendors, venues, and products that fit their visions, desires, and budgets or by night connecting friends to different contacts, opportunities, or resources, I'm just out to help others. It makes me so happy to be able to help others with my knowledge, connections, and passion and to put good use to my extreme organizational skills. If I can't share it with others, what good is it? The best reward is to know I had some part in someone else's happiness. A smile is priceless!

I'm a local to the Washington, DC area who has had an interest in event planning long before I even graduated elementary school. I'm a born planner! I've been actively involved in executing large special events both in my professional and personal life for years; when I am not doing it for living, I am doing it for fun. It was only a matter of time before I started my own company so that I could help others execute their special events. Organization and planning have always coming so naturally to me. I guess that is why I have heard from so many clients, friends and former co-workers, "It's about time you started your own event planning company! You're meant to do it!" I do what I love and love what I do! Learn more about me, Cristina Curcio, and my services at the "About Me" posts coming soon to my blog.

My team are hand-picked professionals that bring their own unique event planning and professional experiences to each event. They are each creative women whose perfectionism matches my own. Together we execute events that are nothing less than perfect. We take a personal interest in our clients. Because of our attachment to our clients and our love of event planning we can't help but treat every event like it was our own.

Getting overwhelmed on where to start on your wedding and special event planning? Don't know what to do? Too busy with work to find the time to plan your special event? Need a professional to help show you the way to your perfect and successful event? Want to save money on your special event (yep, hiring an event planner actually saves you money!)? Contact us today at info@cristinamariaevents.com to help you with your wedding and event planning.

We provide full service, partial planning, day of coordination, and consultation services for social functions including weddings, bar/bat mitzvah celebrations, fundraisers, and private parties. Don't feel lost or stressed a second longer. We take all the hassle out of event planning so you can take your planning hats off and put your party hats on!

Stay tuned for the new elements coming to our webpage and for pictures on our blog of our real special events - weddings, b'nai mitzvah, fundraisers, and private parties!

Shine in your moment!