In the Mix: Stirring Up Joy with Bar Trending's Javier Martin

Star mixologist, Javier Martín, has created a name for himself in the wedding and event industry with his mobile bartending business, Bar Trending. He is fueled by his passion for mixology and a deep love for the hospitality sector, which made him leave behind the confines of a traditional restaurant job. "I get to do what I'm really passionate about, and I get all the fun from the events." Javier tells us.

Memorable Moments

Javier is the official bar vendor for Inter Miami CF. "I get to be at the stadium watching Messi next to me while I work with passion." He adds. You can see some exciting photos of this (and other surprise guests) on Bar Trending's Instagram. Though Javier enjoys all occasions, his favorite events are weddings. Being around love and joyous celebration is infectious, and Javier's creative and delicious beverages invigorate guests' tastebuds and keep their smiles bright.

Mixing Thing Up

Javier is a former police officer from Argentina, discovering his passion for bartending when he relocated to the United States. He learned and honed his mixology skills and continues to grow in his craft. "I have a very healthy lifestyle, and I'm very disciplined. That's why my events go smoothly and with no problems. My goal in life is to be financially free and be able to grow my business to serve events in all of Florida." Javier is also an avid animal lover and sees himself owning an animal shelter in the future.

Keeping Things Smooth

Even the most disciplined and diligent vendors experience the unexpected. At one wedding, the scheduled event planner called out before the wedding, leaving Javier to multitask serving outside the bar! "We managed to do everything and the bride never realized about any problem." Javier's quick thinking and multitasking skills ensured seamless service without detection.

High Praise

Positive feedback from couples and clients is a testament to Javier's exceptional service and dedication. It goes beyond words, providing validation for his work and commitment to ensure that every event is a success. The words of gratitude not only brighten Javier's day but also motivate him to continue delivering top-notch service. Knowing his efforts have made a difference in someone's special occasion is truly rewarding and fuels his passion for what he does. "That moment is priceless." Javier adds, reflecting on the happiness of satisfied clients.

From NASA to Florals: The Stellar Journey of Shannon Brown & Fiore D'Amore Florist, LLC

Shannon Brown, the creative force behind Fiore D'Amore Florist, LLC, is a visionary in the world of wedding and event floristry. Her journey into the wedding industry is a fascinating tale of metamorphosis and artistry. Specializing in fresh florals and high-end silk arrangements, Fiore D'Amore offers a plethora of rental options, including trees, arches, flower walls, chandeliers, candles, and more, to elevate any event!

Blooming Visions

Shannon's dedication to transforming moments into everlasting memories is evident in every petal she touches. As Shannon puts it: "I always like to say working with Fiore D'Amore is stress-free and fun. I don't want a bride and groom to worry about anything on their special day. They are in good hands with us. We are also not a company that takes profit over quality. Building relationships is important for me and my business name. I also think having 18 years in the administration field and my fashion design degree has brought me to this amazing space of wedding and event design."

Early Buds

Shannon grew up in a family where owning a business was the norm. From sweeping the floors of her grandmother's beauty shop as a little girl and answering phones at her uncle's glass business in high school, Shannon gained valuable insight into the dedication owning and running a business requires. "I think this foundation played a huge role in my life and how to work and manage a business." Shannon says.

Embracing a New Chapter

Over the past decade, Shannon's life and career shifted remarkably. "About 10 years ago, I was laid off from NASA after the space shuttle program retired. I wanted to change my career into something I would love." Shannon tells us. She decided to move to South Florida to attend the Art Institute of Design in Fort Lauderdale, graduating with a degree in fashion design. Then, true love entered the picture, and Shannon married the love of her life. Planning her wedding and working with talented vendors made Shannon fall in love with the wedding industry itself. "To walk into my own wedding and see my vision come to life left a lasting impression on me." Shannon soon decided to create Fiore D'Amore and was delighted and proud to discover she could put her degree in fashion design to good use in her newfound career as a florist. "The use of color, design, differentiating lines and shapes, and overall design appearance was key to my success in this business."

Celebrating Love

Shannon adores all events, but weddings are a grand production where her skills and originality can truly shine. "We love working with the bride to make a vision that they had, come to life. We also love to go above and beyond and sprinkle in our own little surprises and extras. We love love. So, to see a couple share their love and join in marriage is just truly something special." Shannon stated beautifully.

One standout event for Fiore D'Amore was a destination wedding where the bride's entire family and guests flew in from out of state. Despite the long distance, Shannon was able to form a strong connection and rapport with her client, and the bride-to-be trusted her to create her vision even without physically seeing anything until her big day. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, exceeding the bride's expectations. "If we have extra flowers, we like to use them at your venue. We used the flowers in vases around the bar, entrance way and cake. Going above and beyond is something we pride ourselves in." Added Shannon.

Navigating the Unexpected

Self-dubbed "Miss Organized", Shannon is a meticulous planner, keeping spreadsheets and lists to ensure all bases are covered, and always arriving to an event early, allowing plenty of time for set up. However, during a recent New Smyrna beach engagement for a high profile client, Shannon and her team were met with a surprise: an unplanned 30-minute walk along a boardwalk to the beach where they were to set up! "You can imagine with 8 heavy bins and a large neon sign, that was a large task. We made 3 trips back and forth for our supplies and finished on time before sunset. The proposal turned out stunning. We had to carry everything back down the same boardwalk and it was completely pitch black. The whole family and couple were so amazing and helped us carry everything back to the van. As a business owner, you have to adjust to anything that may come up and keep calm to get everything done." Shannon details.

A Blooming Future

2024 marks Fiore D'Amore's first of many successful wedding seasons. Shannon is optimistic as she embarks on this new journey, and she is proud of her growth and the skills she has accumulated. She adds, "We are currently booked all the way through December, with a few dates open. I'm really proud of that and the trust brides and grooms are putting into us. We also are in the middle of building a new shop that will feature a design showcase room. I couldn't be happier to be here in this industry and at your service for South Florida Brides." The future indeed looks bright as Shannon aims for the stars like never before.

Unveiling the Magic: A Spotlight on Janelle Allen of Heartz Unfold Weddings & Events

Meet Janelle Allen: The Creative Mind Behind Heartz Unfold Events

As a wedding planner and designer, Janelle Allen has carved out a niche for herself in the bustling world of weddings and events. Her business, Heartz Unfold Events, stands as a testament to her passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Unveiling the Creative Force

Janelle is full of enthusiasm for what she does. For her, it was more than just a career choice - it was a calling. The allure of turning dreams into reality, weaving together intricate details, and witnessing the joy on her clients' faces on their special day was what drew her in. As Janelle shared, "I planned a family members wedding and never looked back! I loved how so many details came together to make a big beautiful picture of memories that last a lifetime."

A True Love for Weddings

Janelle adores grand celebrations such as galas, but weddings hold a special place in her heart. Throughout her 20 years of experience, she has organized numerous events, but one wedding stands out in her memory. This particular event was a unique experience as she helped transform an entire home into a wedding venue. Janelle's involvement in the planning process from start to finish made her feel like an essential part of the bride and groom's journey, creating a truly memorable and special occasion for everyone involved.

Career Moves in a New State

Successfully transitioning from her successful career in New York to the wedding market in South Florida was a pivotal point for Janelle. "It isn't easy to relocate your business to another state. Completing a relaunch is a very proud moment.", she explained, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. Janelle's dedication and adaptability were put to the test during this transformative period.

Weathering Storms

As with any career, not every day goes according to plan. Any event planner is sure to encounter unexpected situations where events deviate from the initial plan. For example, just this past weekend, adverse weather conditions forced Janelle to swiftly make adjustments while still aligning with the couple's vision, keeping the venue and vendors true to their planned timeline. Such instances underscore the importance of having the necessary skills and expertise to navigate unforeseen challenges effectively and gracefully.

Living Life as a Celebration

Embracing and cherishing life's milestones and special moments is truly a wonderful way to create lasting memories and find joy in the everyday. As Janelle states, "I love to celebrate life's milestones and special moments. I believe that taking the time to celebrate LIFE, makes it more special. Sometimes those memories are what you need to remind you of what living is all about!" Reflecting on special celebrations can serve as a beautiful reminder of the meaningful experiences and milestones that shape our lives and help make us who we are.