I love J. Crew on saleWedding attire inside.

{Shopping alert} And this is a fabulous, do not hesitate to stimulate the economy notice.
Say sale, and I'll come running. But this sale...wow. And yes, I checked. There are even wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses and wedding planner attire. Lots of them. Go shop and be happy.
★Enter code SHOPNOW and get free shipping with a $100 purchase.★ Yes, it's perfectly normal to scream in sheer delight at this.

Glad you want to come!

Just like weddings, there are always a few who don't RSVP until after the response date you've requested. Of course, you know I'd love to have you there. So, I've opened up ticket sales for the We Wed Brunch & Workshops this morning just until 12:30 this afternoon. After that, I really do have to make the finalize guest list so that our amazing venue host, Miromar Lakes Beach Club can prepare for our event.

If you could have it your way...

Website Survey - we just need a minute!

I promise, this will only take a minute of your time! If you wouldn't mind, please click on the link below and answer 9 quick, easy questions about different design aspects of wedding vendor's websites.

Quick Easy Survey for Brides!

We won't record anything about you other than what state or country you are from - we don't even ask for your email address so no spam or anything like that.

You will likely see this link on lots of other blogs and sites - this survey is being shared all over the blog-o-sphere so please take the survey only once.

If you have additional comments on the subject, please feel free to email me with those and I will share them with the other wedding vendors who are participating! We can't wait to hear what you have to say!

South West Florida Wedding Professionals:Today is the Last Day for We Wed Brunch Tickets

It's going to be quite the gathering of wedding professionals next week! The attendee list is absolutely amazing. I'm really looking forward to enjoying brunch with so many of our industries best

★wedding planners ★photographers ★officiants ★talent coordinators ★wedding magazine reps. ★rental companies ★videographers ★stationers ★florists ★bakers ★venue catering & sales managers ★site coordinators ★musicians ★dj's ★Hair & Makeup stylists★

Don't let this be the event you're kicking yourself for not attending; this is an open invitation to all wedding and social event professionals of South West Florida.

☛Want to make someones day? Invite someone as your guest!

I would also like to take this time to mention:

BBJ Linen, who has sponsored our linensShari Bare, our official event photographer
Miromar Lakes Beach Club, our venue sponsor

Happy Valentines Day from the team at Weddings by Socialites

We found these cute shirts and had some flowers left from tablescapes, so...Have a LOVELY Valentines Day from the team at Weddings by Socailites!

Ah, the art of being ridiculously silly midday.
L to R, Top to Bottom: Jacqueline, Michelle, Kelly, Andrea

Mariza+Charlie=Intimate

When we first met Seattle couple Mariza & Charlie, we felt an instant connection. Like us, they had loved each other for many years before they decided to get married. Their love is coupled with the kind of deep understanding of each other that only comes with time, the kind that makes them exchange secret glances, say exactly what the other is thinking, and get teary-eyed about all the same things.

It was such a pleasure to photograph their small, elegant wedding. Here are some of our favourite images from the day.

The smallest details tell such interesting stories...Mariza's ring is on the bible her great-grandparents had with them when they were married in 1895.



A classically beautiful Vera Wang gown.



And the classic beauty, Mariza.

Serene before her First Look with Charlie. I love how at all that creamy tilt-shift loveliness puts all the attention on Mariza's beautiful eyes.

As the rain began, an emotional First Look between bride & groom.

Can't resist one more of Mariza.

Cold and rainy in Whistler that day, we explored their reception venue, the Four Seasons, and found all sorts of nooks and crannies to create some dramatic portraits.

My fav - that old hollywood glamour feel.

Details from the ceremony on the rooftop of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.



The cutest and very-serious-about-his-job ringbearer.



Such a great location for a small wedding!



It's official!

The Four Seasons is known for its fine cuisine and at Mariza & Charlie's reception, guests went from room to room to enjoy different courses.



A seafood buffet in the bathtub!



A private first dance at the end of the night...

..before saying goodnight.

Congratulations Mariza & Charlie - it was such a joy to share your day with you both!

My interview responses.

These are not the answers I gave that bride all those years ago, this is current. I decided to share this because I wanted to show how important it was to invest some time into researching your key vendors. Great websites, clever blogs, and preferred vendor lists aside- be an informed consumer.

By no means should you use this questionnaire to rule out or hire a wedding planner you are considering. Rather, use the answers as a piece of the decision. A face to face or phone interview is crucial, to make certain that your personalities are a fit!

My Wedding Planner Interview:
1. Is wedding planning your only job?
* Yes. The only way I could do anything else would be to make days 32 hours long.
2. How many clients do you have right now?
* 11
3. How many weddings have you planned, start to finish?
* More than 60, but not sure exactly how many without doing some serious digging.
4. How many weddings have you planned and executed in the last 24 months?
* 27. Well, 27 ended in the last 2 years- some started planning prior to that time.
5. How many weddings have you coordinated in the last 24 months?
* 4
6. Who were the last 4 photographers you worked with?
* Susan Stripling
* Ashley Brockinton
* Michelle Reed
* Impact UK
7. What venues have you worked at in the last 6 months?
* South Seas Island Resort
* Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach
* LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
* Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa
* Rosen Shingle Creek Golf & Spa
* Casa Ybel Resort
* Grandezza Country Club
* Dolce Vita
8. Can I get a recommendation from one of your last 4 full service clients?
* Absolutely.
9. Can I get a recommendation from one of your last 4 coordination clients?
* Absolutely.
10. Where can I see samples of your creative or design work?
* My website or my planning studio
11. Are contracts with vendors with my name or yours?
* Always in yours, unless it’s for something that I can only get as a trade professional.
12. Do you only work with select vendors or at select locations?
* I only recommend certain professionals, but am also happy to work with others who will uphold both yours and my high standards.
13. Have you ever worked for the venues you now plan weddings at?
* Yes. I worked at one 10 years ago, before I had anything to do with the wedding industry (accounting, can you believe that?).
14. Do you accept any kick-backs or commissions?
* No.
15. Do you offer invitation etiquette assistance?
* Yes.
16. Can I order any products from you, such as linens, invitations, and chairs?
* Yes, but there can be restrictions, based on your wedding venues.
17. How quickly can I expect replies to phone calls and emails?
* Usually within a day, but 72 hours is the longest you’ll wait. I’ll email you if I’ll be out of touch longer for a special reason.
18. Do you have assistants that will be helping at my wedding day? How many?
* Yes, at least 1. The exact number depends on the size, location and complexity of your wedding.
19. Will you be on site the entire length of my wedding day?
* Yes, before you arrive, and after you leave.
20. Are your rates negotiable?
* No, rates are not negotiable, but fees are customized for each and every client.