viernes, 14 de junio de 2013

Coctel Una Noche Arabe

En el marco de Tendencias 2013, evento organizado para actualizar y capacitar a las wedding planner, se ofreció este coctel en la noche posterior a las actividades académicas y fue decorado por Florarte.



El ambiente inspirado estuvo en el medio oriente, y el protagonista de la noche fue el camello.




martes, 11 de junio de 2013

5 Reasons to Go to Cartagena Now





Things I do not do at home: wake up in the morning sashaying to a salsa beat, befriend a toucan before I've had a cup of coffee, or eat ceviche that was plucked from the sea at dawn. These are things I do in Cartagena de Indias, the historic walled city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Following the advice of a Colombian friend, I also sank my teeth into every exotic fruit I could find and strolled along the fortified wall that wraps the historic city at sunset. Beyond these classic reasons to visit Cartagena, there are some new ones too. Transportation is easier, local chefs are bringing world knowledge back home, art is flourishing, and careful restoration has brought new life to the city's intriguing history.

Here are 5 reasons to put Cartagena at the top of your travel wish list.
Direct Flights

More options than ever are now available for direct flights to Cartagena. In addition to direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines and Miami on Avianca Airlines, JetBlue launched a direct flight from New York (JFK) in late 2012. A salsa lesson or refreshing mojito is now just a 4 hour and 20 minute flight from New York.
A Colorful Past
The colorful streets of Cartagena tell stories, but many more tales are waiting behind intricately carved wooden doors. The Sofitel Santa Clarawas once a convent dating back to 1621 before beigng transformed into a hotel, which now offers enchanting glimpses into the building's history. You can walk over an original (now glass-covered) well during breakfast or descend into a crypt between salsa dances at El Coro Lounge Bar. Three colonial heritage buildings were combined to form Casa San Agustin, a new boutique hotel. Here you can swim beneath original archways in a pool en route to the bar.
Cosmopolitan Cuisine, Local Kitchens

Juan Felipe Camacho, native Colombian, was studying to be an engineer when his focus shifted to food. This passion pushed him to culinary school in San Sebastian, Spain where he went on to work at acclaimed restaurants like the Michelin-starred Arzak. He brought all of that knowledge back to Cartagena and the kitchen of Donjuan, his stylish and comfortable bistro with black and white checkered floors and tall shelves filled with South American wines. Four years after opening the doors of Donjuan, the 35-year-old chef expanded next door with a new restaurant named after his wife, Maria, in partnership with Chef Alejandro Ramirez. This casual little sister is a trendy spot for cocktails spiked with local fruits and tasty plates to share.
Flourishing Art and Festival Scene

New galleries and festivals have become staples in the art scene in Cartagena. In January 2013, the Hay Festival Cartagena—a celebration of visual arts, literature, cinema, and music—brought artists and writers from two-dozen countries to this coastal city. A huge success, this festival is already being planned for 2014 (January 30-February 2). Outside of festivals, it is well worth your while to engage with local arts. At NH Galeria, steps from Cartagena's historic wall overlooking the sea, work by local artists shares the space with pieces by internationally renowned artists. Expect everything from photography to painting to sculpture to installation. The Training Center of the Spanish Cooperation (Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española) has a range of exhibits, including a striking collection of large format photographs depicting poverty in the Americas by Andy Goldstein on display recently.
A Growing Love of Wine

Local beers and spirits-based drinks have long won the hearts of locals in Cartagena, but an interest in wine is growing too. Now you can learn about South American grape varieties while tasting a range of whites and reds at venues throughout the old city. At the Sofitel's Restaurante 1621, the in-house sommelier, Oscar Santos, arranges tastings once a week (Wednesdays at 6.30 pm) in the original refectory of this former convent where nuns once ate their meals. Sibaris Wine Bar is a wine cellar with tables tucked beneath historic brick arches perfect for sipping wine and nibbling on small plates. At these restaurants (along with Donjuan and Maria) wine is not an afterthought of the menu, but a purposeful component.

Insider Tip: If you plan on taking taxis, always find out the approximate fare in advance. Ask at the hotel, restaurant, or bar for an idea of the cost to make sure you aren't overcharged by a meter-free taxi.

Source: http://www.fodors.com/news/5-reasons-to-go-to-cartagena-now-6818.html

miércoles, 29 de mayo de 2013

Florarte Elegance Forever / Florarte Elegancia de Siempre


More than 30 years ago Florarte began operating in the local events market. With innovative, creative and high-level ideas, it gained Cartagena’s society recognition. The head of this company was the owner and founder William Baena, who managed to gain great recognition due to his witty and elegant work.
Baena left the city a great legacy, a company characterized by its creativity, innovation and its high quality work in each one of their events. Today, are his sisters, Luz Amparo and María Helena, who are in charge of running the business.

Learning from the Best
It is not a sudden call, Luz Amparo and María Helena worked with their brother William Banea for almost 20 years. With him, they learned everything about creating the best floral arrangements and to make their clients dreams come true. From him, they have not only the brand but also the experience of having worked with one of the bests in this subject.

The events where Florarte is in charge of the decoration, count with a really classic style full of simplicity and elegance. For the company, the most important is to keep in mind that the goal of its floral arrangements is to make possible the wishes of their customers by decorating their events with the required style.
Los eventos a cargo de Florarte siguen teniendo ese toque sobrio, sencillo y elegante que ilumina los espacios dándoles un toque significativo de distinción y altura. Siempre reconociendo que los más importante es hacer posibles los deseos de sus clientes, decorando sus eventos con el estilo requerido, deslumbrando y grabando el evento en la memoria de os asistentes.
 
Classy Events
Theme parties, weddings, social events, business and all those requiring flowers for decoration can always count on Florarte’s impeccable and distinctive work. The Summit of the Americas, the weddings of Thomas Uribe, Diana Matto and Simon Gaviria are some of the events where Florarte has proved its word. On May 21st, as part of the event “Tendencias 2013 - Bodas y Eventos: El arte de celebrar”, Florarte presented a dazzling Arab Night decor, remembering why it’s one of the most recognized companies in the market.
 
Florarte is ...
Innovation, simplicity and elegance. A company that knows that the trend is exactly what each customer wants for its events or special moments. Romantic details, crystals, candles and exotic flowers like orchids and hydrangeas are some of the elements of Florarte’s decorations.
In times of change, María Elena and Luz Amparo know the importance of hard work, reason why they continue today with Florarte, the legacy of their brother William Baena.



Hace más de 30 años Florarte comenzó a funcionar en el mercado de los eventos locales. Con ideas innovadoras, creativas y de alto nivel  se fue ganando el reconocimiento de la sociedad cartagenera.  A la cabeza estaba su dueño y fundador William Baena, quien siendo un decorador experto logró ganar gran reconocimiento gracias a su  trabajo ingenioso y elegante, a tal punto que sigue siendo recordado como el mejor en el arte de las flores.
William Baena dejó a la ciudad un gran legado, una empresa caracterizadas por la creatividad, la innovación y la más alta calidad en la atención y en el producto final de cada uno de sus eventos, hoy, son sus hermanas, Luz Amparo y María Helena, las encargadas de mantener el sello de Florarte en el punto de prestigio en el que ha estado desde el momento de su creación. 

Aprendiendo del Mejor
No se trata de una llamada repentina, Luz Amparo y Maria Helena Baena acompañaron por cerca de 20 años  a su hermano William en la experiencia de crear lo mejor en decoración y de cristalizar los sueños de sus clientes. De él les queda no sólo el legado de tener la marca Florarte, si no las lecciones y la experiencia de haber trabajado con quien fuera el mejor en esta área.
Los eventos a cargo de Florarte siguen teniendo ese toque sobrio, sencillo y elegante que ilumina los espacios dándoles un toque significativo de distinción y altura. Siempre reconociendo que los más importante es hacer posibles los deseos de sus clientes, decorando sus eventos con el estilo requerido, deslumbrando y grabando el evento en la memoria de os asistentes. 

Eventos con Altura
Fiestas temáticas, bodas, eventos sociales, empresariales y todos los que requieran flores para su decoración podrán contar siempre con el trabajo impecable y distintivo de Florarte. La Cumbre de las Américas, las bodas de Tomás Uribe, Simón Gaviria y Diana Mattos han sido testigos de la impecable decoración de esta empresa de flores, arte y eventos. El pasado 21 de mayo, en el marco del evento Tendencias 2013 Bodas y Eventos “El arte de celebrar”, Florarte hizo presencia con una decoración deslumbrante en la Noche Árabe, recordando por qué son los más reconocidos en el mercado de los eventos.

Florarte es…
Innovación, sobriedad, sencillez y elegancia. Una empresa que sabe que la tendencia es exactamente lo que cada cliente quiere para sus eventos y momentos especiales. Detalles románticos, cristales, velas y flores exóticas como las orquídeas y las hortensias están a la orden del día en las decoraciones.
En tiempos de cambios, Florarte, María Elena y Luz Amparo Baena saben que ha sido indispensable la recordación que tiene la sociedad cartagenera de su excelente trabajo por más de 30 años, trabajo que comenzó con su hermano William y que hoy ellas mantienen al día, actualizada y cada día más innovadora.

martes, 21 de mayo de 2013

Tips for having a pefect weding / Tips para tener una boda perfecta









Our wedding is one of the most important days of our lives, and we want it to be an unforgettable moment. But a perfect wedding requires a lot of organization, detail, energy and patience, so we decided to leave you some tips that can help you to have the wedding of yours dreams:
  1. Before you start organizing your wedding is very important to decide the date and time, because different issues can arise depending on thoses factors.
  2. The style that you want to print to your wedding is also very important. So, this is something you will have to consider.
  3. Be sure to choose a suitable location for the number of guests you will invite to the wedding. It's very important that they feel comfortable and have a nice time.
  4. Set a budget and stick to it. It is always important to have clear accounts so you won't run out of money. A good money management can make your wedding perfect without the need to overspend.
  5. Creativity and small details are what make your wedding truly unforgettable. Always think about details, so you can customize your wedding and make it unique.

Finally remember that a perfect wedding is the result of patience and clear ideas. Avoid being inflexible and if things do not go as you want, be sure to count on a plan B.



 


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Nuestra boda es uno de los días más importantes de nuestras vidas, por eso queremos que sea un momento inolvidable. Pero una boda perfecta necesita de mucha organización, detalle, energía y paciencia, por eso decidimos dejarles algunos tips que pueden ayudarlos a tener la boda que siempre han soñado.


  1. Antes de comenzar la organización de tu boda es muy importante que decidan en pareja una fecha y hora, pues diferentes necesidades pueden surgir dependiendo de esos factores.
  2. El estilo que quieres imprimirle a tu boda también es muy importante para tener en cuenta antes de empezar con la organización.
  3. Asegúrate de escoger un lugar adecuado para el número de invitados que decidirás invitar a la boda, así todos estarán cómodos y pasarán un rato agradable.
  4. Establece un presupuesto y ajústate a él. Siempre es importante tener bien claras las cuentas, así no se quedarán sin dinero a media organización. Una buena administración del dinero podrá hacer que tu boda sea perfecta sin la necesidad de gastar de más.
  5. La creatividad y los pequeños detalles son los que hacen las bodas verdaderamente inolvidables. Siempre piensa en los detalles que puedes utilizar para personalizar más tu boda y hacerla única. 
Para terminar recuerda que una boda perfecta es el resultado de la paciencia y tener tus ideas claras. Evita ser inflexible y si las cosas no resultan como quieres busca un plan B.

martes, 23 de abril de 2013

Tendencias Weddings and Events in Cartagena Colombia

Tendencias Weddings and Events Colombia Preston Bailey Speaking Event

Next week I’m going to be speaking at Tendencias Weddings and Events at the Santa Clara Sofitel Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia. If you’re free May 14-16, you should join me!

In 2007, I had the great pleasure of designing a wedding in Cartagena for a lovely bride named Natalia; I’m very excited to return to such a beautiful place that is home to so many kind and hospitable folks. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that this time I get to go with so many good friends like planner Marcy Blum, lighting expert Ira Levy, and the great music trend setter, Valerie Romanoff.

That this conference is taking place at the amazing Santa Clara Sofitel is just the cherry on top!

We’ll also be remembering a great talent and treasure, the late William Baena, who I had the pleasure of working with on Natalia’s wedding. It still aches to think he is no longer with us. He was taken from this world far too soon. Florarte, in a very touching gesture, is designing this event in honor of him.

Simone and the many great talents in Cartagena are pulling out all the stops for this memorable event; they are even designing the coffee breaks as wedding dessert tables. How cool is that?!

http://blog.prestonbailey.com/

viernes, 19 de abril de 2013

Why get married in Cartagena?

According to Trip-Advisor, Cartagena, a historical and charming seaport city known as the jewel of the Caribbean, is the fourth largest or most important destination of South America . Cartagena has a fascinating architectural mix variety. Military structures such as fortified walls, bastions and forts, can be seen next to a well-preserved colonial city. Cartagena has also grown to be a popular destination wedding spot. Many celebrities, such as the famous race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya, have chosen this beautiful city for their wedding and honeymoon getaway.
There are several good reasons for choosing Cartagena as a wedding destination:

ROMANCE

A magical fairytale city that indisputably ignites the mood for love and romance the very minute you arrive, as you take in the picturesque scenery. From horse-drawn carriage rides, walking alongside the fortified walls of "El Castillo San Felipe de Barajas", appreciating the beautiful architecture of the old Spanish style homes with their "balconcitos" (balconies), to the beautiful sandy beaches. Don't be surprised if you get serenaded with "vallenato" music (typical folk music of love stories) as you stroll down the colonial streets or even as you take a romantic walk down the beach strip. But If you are looking for a little more excitement, you have nothing to worry about because Cartagena is also known for its vibrant night life.




SCENERY

The old Spanish style colonial architecture serves as a spectacular background for breath-taking wedding photos. Colonial style lavish cathedrals make for a perfect wedding ceremony venue. But if you are looking for more of a Caribbean feel to your wedding memories, again, no worries because Cartagena has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.



LODGING

Being that Cartagena is a touristic destination, you will have no problem finding sufficient lodging to satisfy any budget. From extravagant exclusive five star beachfront resorts and Hotel+Spa, to more moderately priced beach side hotels.










PRICE

You'd be surprise to know that having a destination wedding in Cartagena is much cheaper than in the states. You can have an amazing wedding.(nearly half of what you would pay in the states).  You can spend your honeymoon in town since there are so many things to do. You can take a very inexpensive short boat trip to the "Islas del Rosario, or you can just relax in any of the nearby beaches as you take in the beauty and the sunshine. You can also enjoy plenty of shopping around town, and be pleasantly surprised at the prices. And if you're concerned about the airfair to Cartagena, you'll be glad to know that you can find roundtrip tickets on direct flights to Cartagena from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, on Spirit Air or Avianca
These are just some of the many reasons for getting married in Cartagena. But Cartagena is not just the perfect locale for weddings and honeymoons, it's also a great vacation spot for any type of budget, any time of the year.