I’ve always believed in the theory that projects and events will always take the precise amount of time that you have in which to complete them. You may have a year to open a restaurant but chances are you will still be scrambling trying to get the soda gun working or the keg tapped minutes before the doors open.

I think this theory is especially true for weddings. Whether you have two years or two months to plan, there will still be running around the day before, hunting down baby’s breath or Jordan almonds.

I was fortunate enough to be able to put this theory to the test. Last Labor Day, my friend’s daughter was scheduled to get married in Turks and Caicos. She had asked my daughters to be a part of the wedding party. They were very excited (I never got to be a flower girl – an issue I’m still working through.)

Unfortunately for this beautiful young couple, September is hurricane season. And Hurricane Gustav decided to decimate the Islands before the wedding. After a call from the very concerned (understatement) mother-of-the-bride informing me the resort had closed down for the month, I volunteered to host the wedding at my home in Palm Beach over the weekend. After all, three days was plenty of time to throw a wedding! Eek!

However, Mother Nature had an entirely plan for us. Another hurricane was looming and would be hitting South Florida over the weekend. The wedding would have to take place the next day or they would just head to Town Hall. Now I’m not a party planner by trade but I must admit, I love an “Apprentice-esque” opportunity and get a rush from performance pressure so I was thrilled to take on this challenge.

A caterer was the first priority. I preferred not to serve anything out of a box or bucket. No problem…found one! The rental company had plenty of tables, chairs and linens in the brides’ pink and gold theme preference (thank goodness it was Palm Beach off-season!)

First thing in the morning, bolts of pink tulle were purchased from Joanne’s and swagged down the stairs for decor. Easy.

Pink Roses are plentiful for last minute centerpieces and so chic and simple when clustered in a square vase. I had browsed through enough Bride magazines over the years (embarrassing for a woman who has been married for 12 years!) to know that rose bouquets can be easily thrown together with some satin ribbon (I know not terribly creative but time was of the essence here people!)

DJ…check. Photographer…check. Thankfully the bride had her dress with her. Check!!

Oh yeah…the pesky detail of an officiate…whatever. Thank you Verizon yellow pages!

But oh, the piece de resistance – the wedding cake! As much as I love Fudgy the Whale and Cookie Puss, I was determined not to have them make an appearance at my first wedding planning venture. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for my hips,) I happen to have a very good relationship with the local Cuban bakery. After begging (Por favor amigos!!!), they agreed to make a beautiful pink fondant wedding cake to pick up later that afternoon. Gracias Tulipan!! We got a wedding here!

I must say, it was a most exciting day. I felt like I was on a solo scavenger hunt (or that I was on a Bravo show in the making!) Only one crazy real housewife moment when I could be seen running down my hall screaming to the bartender, “Turn on the pool fountains!” when the couple kissed. (Too short notice to call Grucci for fireworks!)

It was a great 24-hour wedding. The truth was, as gorgeous and in love as this couple were, they could have been married in the back of a green Dodge Dart (were there any other colors??) and made it look fabulous. I’m sure they were disappointed not to have the wedding they had planned for months, I, however, had so much fun that I’m thinking of opening a restaurant in 24 hours next. Get ready for me, Bravo!

Photos by Richard Graulich