Behind the scenes at our weddings

Have you checked out our instagram feed?  Now that its online, you can see all our weddings behind the scenes, before and after. All from my perspective and bigger than on your iphone/smartphone.  You'll get a healthy dose of my crazy family and friends too (I love them all so much).  Here is a little peek I posted to instagram from this weekends weddings at Southern Waters in Ft Myers and LaPlaya in Naples, Florida:

 I honestly just want to never again use a banquet table for ceremony welcome again after this.

 Three cakes?  Sure, why not!

Sue at Signature Floral never ceases to amaze me.  The flowers for the ceremony and reception and all the little tables were so lovely.  I feel like she can read my mind sometimes.  Particularly when my mind is thinking of 8 different things wrapped into one.  Not too many people can do that!

No, you do not need to have your ballroom wedding looking stuffy. Kevin at Botanicals on the Gulf made the most wonderful centerpieces for these tables!  I loved that he was able to bring just the right amount of "soft" to the Navy and white striped linens we picked.

These images above and below are the real deal; What actually happens before the wedding ceremony.  Above breakdown:
1. Photographer Sam distracting baby FG#1 
2. Ashley Brockinton shooting bride and FOB as MOG approaches
3. MOH pulling splinter from FG#2 
4. MOB trying to rally FG#2-3-4 and probably wondering where FG#5 is
5. One of the best Nannys I have ever met, trying to bribe FG#3 with a tic tac that Photographer Sam brought.

Many more on the instagram feed so go check it out! Oh, and Clint Wiley from Wiley Entertainment also posted a video from the dance floor at the LaPlaya wedding:

 

Key:
FOB- Father of the bride
MOG- Mother of the groom
MOB- Mother of the bride
MOH- Maid/Matron of Honor
FG- Flower Girl

Another great wedding video

Lauren & Joe had a gorgeous wedding at LaPlaya in Naples late last summer. They shared their wedding day with family and friends from New York to Naples. You can really see the love between these newlyweds when they share their first dance; you'll notice that Lauren is singing word for word to her new husband.  I didn't see this that night, because I wasn't close enough to see.  So the video was like seeing it from an entirely new perspective and now I have even better memories.  I'm grateful for that.  Oh and if you only knew why Lauren & Joe were laughing at their ceremony.  Oh my gosh, it was great!

Lauren and Joe - Directors Cut Video, LaPlaya, Naples from Rob Epple on Vimeo.

The only thing I wish I could experience again that wasn't on video was Lauren's reaction when I brought her into the ballroom to preview it.  It made my day.  I loved that we got to use the shades of purple from lavender to eggplant. And could you just die over the wreath of flowers around the cake?

Spotlight on: Heather Donlan PhotographyCoral & Ocean on Naples Beach

A beach chic escort card display
A seaside ceremony that epitomizes a modern beach feel

{Photography} Heather Donlan (Hello Mrs. Talented)
{Ceremony & Reception Venue} LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Best for ballroom & beach)
{Cake} Ella's cakes (great cake is a grand understatement
I can hardly believe it's been just over a year since this wedding! While cleaning yesterday I found the cd that Heather had sent and realized I hadn't shared these wonderful photos. I adore that Heather was able to photograph this very elegant yet casual wedding and truly capture the modern seaside chic Jenn & John had wanted.
Want to see more? Click on "Weddings" on the Weddings by Socialites website. You can also see that Heather Donlan does truly love her art at her blog.Aren't the colors amazing? I love Peonies.
The personalized menus were an amazing detail that also served the purpose of a placecard.
To keep guests cool at the beach ceremony on the warm December afternoon we provided guests with fans adorned with the ceremony program.
Late night bites are always a huge hit. Especially sliders! We customized these cuties with "Jenn & John" appetizer sticks.
The tables were decorated with lush white flowers, starfish & shells, floating candles, and Coral, all atop gorgeous silk linen and a sheer overlay.

Spreading the holiday cheer Captiva, Sanibel, Naples, Ft Myers Wedding Venues & Vendors

This week we did our annual holiday cheer deliveries to a few of our favorite venues and vendors we worked with this year.
{This year we made gifts of a baby Rosemary Christmas tree, baguettes from Panera, Olive Oil & Balsalmic Vinegar, and a dipping bowl with a super cheesy holiday card I designed. I don't think Hallmark will be hiring me anytime soon}
Here we are at our first stop: Floral Artistry. Beth was gone for the day and Yanna was tied up on the phone. From there we headed out to South Seas. Kind of a drive- so we played a game of iphone Name that Tune. That Shazam app is so cool!
I thought, "You know what, maybe our clients and readers might like to see some of the people we're always talking about!" So here's the ones we were able to catch on camera:The Sales and Catering Team from South Seas Island Resort
Kathi & Sarah from Talent! The Agency of Choice

Lynn Alexander from LaPlaya Beach ResortThe Sales & Catering Team from Casa Ybel Resort
Rob & AnnMarie Epple of AMC Video

We also made deliveries at Grandezza (Sean Hynes), Miromar Beach Club (Lesley O'Quinn), Sanibel Harbour Resort (Kristin Lawrence)and the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach (Nicola Long)...but they were all tied up getting ready for weddings. Hope you're having fabulous ones!
A huge thank you to all of you for being part of another year of so many great weddings!

Venue Spotlight: MediterraA Place for a Grand Naples Wedding

"This is so beautiful", I think I said that about 43 times during our tour of this magnificent Naples property. Mediterra is a departure from our regular wedding venues because it's a country club; but this is not your run of the mill country club by any stretch of the imagination.
I had nothing but feelings of grand elegance from the moment I entered the gates to the Jasmine ivy growing throughout the porte cochere. Once inside we were greeted by Mary Ann Shea, the Events and Catering Manager who was gracious enough to give us the scoop on this beautiful venue.

I think the most jaw dropping spot was the ceremony location. Complete with a Romeo & Juliet balcony, long paved path, and fountain.
Unfortunately I was only able to get a couple of photos, but trust me- this is absolutely a place to put on your short list.

I'm really looking forward to planning a wedding out there. Here's a link to some video AMC took at a recent wedding they covered at Mediterra: Enjoy!

A Beautiful Rainy Wedding Day at the Ritz Naples

Last month we had a stunning formal wedding weekend at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples Beach. I'm not going to say, "Unfortunately, it rained" because while the rain did come, it was still an amazing evening. There was nothing unfortunate about it! We had back up plans in place and had called for all the events to take place indoors several hours in advance (this is crucial!) so that everything would seem as it had been planned that way all along. The key is to make certain it does not appear to be a last minute move.
All photos on this post were taken by me, so yeah, they aren't so good because I am not a photographer who knows everything about lighting, angles, speed and all that stuff I find unfathomable to remember all at one time. But you get the point. To see better photos- always check out the photographers websites & blogs!
Location: Ritz Carlton Naples Beach
Photographer: Michelle Reed
Flowers: Ritz Carlton
Cake: Ritz Carlton
Band: Vox Blu
The band was unreal. We had Vox Blu at a wedding last year and I was immediately a fan. I was so excited when Kim picked them out for her wedding. They have the best Michael Jackson compilation of any band I have ever heard. There was not a single soul in a seat. Honestly, the dance floor was packed the entire night. Well, until the fire alarm went off. But that's another story. Anyway, the Hora was off the charts! Kim and Steve were up in the chairs many times until Steve was ultimately dropped. Oops. No worries though, he landed on both feet.

No Passport Required

Truly, I am a wedding book and magazine junkie. Want proof? Stop by my studio. I swear the sales people at Books a million think I'm a bit over excited about this wedding I've been planning for years on end. HA!
Anyhoo- I picked up the current issue of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons last week and was immediately drawn to one of the featured articles: No Passport Required. Can I tell you how excited I was to get to the article and find 2 of the 8 beach resorts chosen as the best "no passport required" are none other than LaPlaya Beach & Golf (Naples) and South Seas Island (Captiva)Resorts? Both of which are stunning resorts that we frequently plan weddings at. As a matter of fact we had Kim's rehearsal dinner at LaPlaya just last weekend, and this weekend we'll be out at South Seas for Lucky bride and Writer Bride. So yes, I agree with Destination Wedding Magazine, they are two of the best.
What's awesome about both these locations being chosen is that it proves that SW Florida is a prime location for destination weddings. While these two stunning venues are amazing, there are many more to choose from. With an international airport and direct flights from many major metropolitan areas, really- its perfect for destination wedding planning. How lucky am I to be here?

Welcome bags+Brides=No room. Oops.

Today was welcome bag day. Since most of our weddings are destination, we have a once a month shopping and assembly day. It's pretty fun until we start pushing 175 bottles of water down the already packed aisles of Sam's Club. As you can see, today was a heavy load.
Then while we were assembling the bags- which take over the place (see photo), many a brides stopped in to look at invitations and browse the library. We've quickly learned that now welcome bag assembly will have to be early in the morning before we flip the "open" signs and that 6 bottles of champagne goes quick. HA!

It was so great to meet some new brides this week. We met brides getting married in Hawaii, Pittsburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bowling Green, Savannah and Boca Grande. We're glad you stopped in!:
Tiffany I.
Barbara L.
Lesley M.
Jennifer P.
Nicole K.
Tiffany M.
and
La Lauren

"It's your boy Kelly, Rabbi Sol!"

Not kidding, this is how Andrea announces that Rabbi Solomen is calling us. How hilarious! I was cracking up. You see, I'd just had a wonderful discussion with Rabbi Sol, and we really hit it off. We talked a bit about the wedding and a bit about our websites, which lead to blogging. Within minutes of ending our conversation, he called back about blogging- very excited. And now I must admit that I am even more excited for next weekends wedding ceremony and to finally get to meet this charming rabbi.
The beach ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach is sure to be a unique one with both Rabbi Solomon and Father Riccardi officiating.
Check back in a couple weeks and I'll update on how this amazing wedding turns out!

Heather Donlan's Gallery Opening

Last night I had the pleasure to attend the grand opening of Heather Donlan's new gallery & studio down in Naples. What an amazing space! If you're in downtown Naples, you'll have to stop by to check it out. The walls are decked out with her photographic art and it is truly breathtaking. I sat down in the client preview room and had a hard time ripping myself away from the beautiful wedding albums on display.While I was there I ran into Lynn Alexander from LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Well, i didn't actually run into her, but I did get my foot stuck between 2 chairs and almost spilled my fizze all over the place. oops. Anyway, Both of us were just in awe of what Heather has brought to the area. Its seldom that you find a wedding photographer who has studio space and its in a location where you can literally walk down the block to the beach for sunset photos!
Heather and I worked together on Jenn & Johns wedding at LaPlaya late last year and she was gracious enough to send me back with a few miniature copies of their wedding album for display here at the studio.

Brides in the Limelight, South BeachBrides Florida & Limelight Photography

Limelight Photography
A couple weeks ago I headed over to South Beach (Miami) to attend and speak at the Brides in the Limelight event for elite wedding professionals. The Catalina hotel provided an amazing venue for the event that was better than phenomenal! It's truly amazing to be in one location with so many of South Floridas elite wedding professionals. Very inspiring to say the least.
The evening was arranged by Stephanie Bosco-Luca of Brides Florida Magazine and Ela Raveling of Limelight Photography. Ela photographed all the photos above as well as the "singing" photos below. As you can see from the photos below, these ladies truly know their stuff. Over 200 wedding professionals were invited and attended the event. And I have to say, if brides could have the list of attendees they'd have to look no farther for the best recommended vendor list in the state.
I did have a little trouble writing my speech for that night. Actually, I had major trouble. Writers block as I have never experienced. Me? Writers block? And to think the topic of my speech was blogging of all things. Ugh. It came down to writing the speech at the rooftop pool of the Catalina just hours before!
These 2 pictures I had to put on here because they cracked me up. Doesn't it look like I'm singing?
This is Marina Mougios from Ambiance Studios. What a lovely girl! I checked out her blog and website after meeting her and boy am I glad that I did. She is very talented.
Here's some more photos from my iphone and Dara's camera. Ummm, yeah, Ela's are better. My newest interns, Dara & Andrea, came to the event as well. They learned about how important networking is and they introduced me to my new favorite snack, Edamame beans. After the event we had dinner at the Catalinas sushi restaurant, Kung Fu Sushi. Yum.
Here is Nikol from Fresh Beauty Studio. Love her, love her work! She just opened a new boutique- check it out when on the East coast.
This is Carlos Baez. Six degrees: I met Carlos at this event. Yesterday I was down in Naples and picked up the latest issue of Gulfshore Life at LaPlaya Beach Resort. Featured in the issue was a wedding that Carlos photographed. Also in this issue, the Hot 100 of the Gulf shore social scene, which included the Crowns. We planned their daughter Jenn's wedding just last year. Seeing his wedding photos reminded me that I still needed to post about this event. So thanks Carlos!
Donut Divas. Please oh please will one of my clients ask for this? I can not even begin to tell you how incredible these donuts were. They were the hit of the evening. Hot fresh donuts made right there before your eyes. So good.

Calling all brides!

As you know, we're gearing up for our 2008 blog showcase and we're off to a great start. The Planners & Wedding designers across the country are ready to start creating a showcase piece based on what you envision, and we have a list of amazing photographers a mile long ready to photograph! Much to my surprise, we're short on brides!
The process is easy- your showcase planner/designer will contact you and let you know what showcase piece they'd like to create for you. Then all you have to do is give her/him your thoughts/ideas on what you'd like to see.

"Oh, you're doing a place setting? Great! I'd love to see something really contemporary, with greens, whites and golds. Oh, and I love the look of glass. Love, love, love glass. And my favorite flower is a rose, if that helps at all."

Easy right? Then you and your showcase planner/designer and the photographer will get together to photograph you, your planner/designer, and the showcase piece. All the submitted showcases will be featured on the blog in August.
That's it! Nothing but fun wedding inspiration. Free of charge, full of smiles. If you have a photographer or planner you'd like to work with, send me an email and I'll see if I can get you matched up!
Here's the list of cities we for sure need participants from (but we're not limiting to these!):

Boston, MA
Captiva Island, FL
Conneticut
Denver, CO
Ft Myers, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Los Angeles, CA
Naples, FL
New York, NY
Newport, RI
Sanibel Island, FL
St. Louis, MO

Rice Krispy Wedding Cakes

My husband told me that I couldn't screw up Rice Krispy treats. I proved him wrong in 3 minutes flat. I burned the first bowl of marshmallows. Leave it to me.
Yesterday Dominique and I spent the day making Rice Krispy wedding cakes for all the local venues we worked at this spring wedding season. Today all of us will go deliver them to say thank you for such an awesome start to the 2008 wedding year.
Thank you to the sales and catering teams at:
The Ritz Carlton Resort Naples Beach
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
South Seas Island Resort
Casa Ybel Beach Resort
Sanibel Harbour Beach Resort
Miromar Beach Club
Be on the lookout for the big gray box with the bow!

Here's to another great wedding! -Kelly

Real wedding: Sugar Bride

Jenny. The sweetest bride with the biggest sweet tooth I have ever come across. There was no lack for sugar at this weekend wedding extravaganza! From the welcome packages to the girl scout cookie favors, there was no lack of sugar…ever. Jenny and her very cool groom Brett have demanding jobs in NYC, so I did most of the planning with Jennys mom Nadine who's across the state in Miami. Daily phone calls, emails, and the occasional trip over were always fun with Nadine. By the time the wedding came we were like family. The girls (Dom, Danielle and Michelle) and I miss them all. It was a crazy wild and fun six months of planning. Ok so why sugar bride? The wedding was one part amazing flowers, one part rockin band, and 4 parts sugar. The welcome packages had at least 3 types of sugar or gum in them, at the rehearsal dinner there was smores packages for the guests to use at the firepit, and at the reception:

• A massive Candy Buffet
  
• A late night Sweet Café with a chef who made berries flambé to order
  
• Hundreds of cupcakes
  
• Fruit kabobs passed on the dancefloor
  
• Girl Scout Cookies for favors
  

All the weekend festivities took place at LaPlaya Beach & Golf resort in Naples. Truly- it's a stunning resort, you can't ask for much better when you want a big city wedding in a beach environment.

All these photos are from Steve Gold Photography. What a totally nice guy! We flipped when these photos came in the mail yesterday. I had almost forgotten how unbelievable gorgeous that Chuppah was, oh and the candle lit aisle leading up to it. Stunning. I still don't know how he got that shot from above. He must have angel wings :)