A Savannah bride gets married in Bonita Springs

And she did it on Derby day. Well, when the horses are running- everything stops. This includes her wedding. Savannah bride and her wedding party refused to leave the suite at the Hyatt Coconut Point until the Kentucky Derby was over. It was quite funny to be honest. Thankfully, the ceremony still started on time. Here are a few photos I took during the day.

How beautiful was my Savannah bride? I absolutely adored her wedding dress which was perfect for the beach ceremony.

Guests left their shoes behind and walked down to the wedding site au natural. This was perfectly appropriate because they had a very informal ceremony. In fact, all the guests stood during the short ceremony. We only had a few seats for the parents and grandparents.
How stunning were these centerpieces from Signature Florals? The white dendrobium centerpieces were striking against the cool blue water in the celebration vases. I chose a champagne crinkle taffeta linen to make sure the room kept a less bold feel.
A special treat for the guests; tableside service. Each guest selected all 3 of their courses at their seat. Confession: I loved not having to track chicken/beef/fish responses.
Oh the reception room was pretty. The club at Raptor Bay was the perfect compliment to her sophisticated dinner party.
Another beautiful cake by Daniella at Ellas cakes in Naples. The sash looked so real in person. I caught a few people trying to touch it, trying to test it out!
Here's to another great wedding!

An authentic Italian Wedding on Sanibel Island

Never have I ever seen so much food. The menus for NYbride's wedding were looooong and fabulous. From the pre ceremony cocktail hour with seared tuna, fresh fruit kabobs and sangria -to the post ceremony cocktail hour with carving stations, lamb chops, and antipasta (and this is just the short list)- Sundial beach resorts chef outdid himself. Then we headed over to Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa where we had a 4 course meal followed by a dessert room. That's right- not a table, an entire room: Chocolate fondue station, cake,cookie & cupcake display, Nutella display, a candy station, and finally a sundae station. I can't wait to see the video AMCvideo got when we opened the doors to the room. The Nutella- it was the biggest jar we could find: 11 POUNDS! Each guest received a spoon on their seat that said, "We're nuts for each other and you'll think we're NUts when we TELLA you what this is for!" Joe & Lisa surprised their guests by rolling the Nutella out on a cart into the reception with the theme song from Willy Wonka playing. Then they fed each other with massive spoons. It was so fun!
Here are some outstanding photos from Jason Angelini. I "borrowed" them from his blog, which is so cool by the way- its written from his little boys point of view. For sure you should check it out!


The cupcake tower and NY Rangers grooms cake are from the amazing as usual Karen of Kakes by Karen. And the beautiful tropical centerpieces are from Floral Artistry.

You're stressed out. You're overwhelmed. You're a bride.

Completely normal, I promise. Chances are that you entered into this new phase of your life when your life was already jam packed. Now add on planning an event that's supposedly going to be one of the best and most important days of your life. Oh, and everyone you know and love is going to be there to experience it with you. Yeah- I think that's fair game for a maxed out stress card.
Here's how I look at it. Think about your school days. Some of the times are the best memories ever (Homecoming). Some decisions were excruciating (picking a major). Some of the days were rough beyond rough (Finals). But how great was graduation- the party afterwards?
So much like planning your wedding- yes its work, but the payoff is unreal and you could have never imagined it would have actually turned out as phenomenal as it actually does.
So when you're feeling a meltdown coming on because you can't find a band that's perfect- take a deep breath and remember this is just "a class you have to take".
Then go to the spa and get a massage. lol

Meet the Expert: Steve Kemble

In this week’s Meet the Expert column, we interview one of America’s top wedding planners and self-styled “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru.” He’s hip, he’s funky and he’s none other than Steve Kemble. Steve is a star of several TV shows on the Style Network (Whose Wedding Is It Anyway and Married Away), We (Platinum Weddings, Married By the In-laws, and Bling on the Bride) and ABC (Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition). He’s also the author of the Dash of Sass Blog (note: this isn’t totally wedding related).


What Trends do you see in destination weddings for 2009-2010?

The strongest trend that I am seeing in destination weddings is that couples are taking their guests' travel expenses more into consideration when selecting their destination. In years past, a couple would select a romantic and exotic destination that they had always wanted to go to, without giving much thought to how or if everyone else would be able to feasibly and economically get there. Given the current economic state of the world, I feel the trend of selecting a more budget (yet still romantic and exotic) conscious destination to travel to for all of the guests will continue to be a very strong trend.


How are the needs of engaged couples changed over time? What are they looking for now that they weren't looking for a year ago?

I feel couples today are planning their special day truly for themselves. In the past, couples were planning their weddings based more on family or cultural traditions and customs, than what they really desired. Today, couples are selecting arrangements for their wedding that truly represent themselves, versus doing what simply may be trendy or hip at the time, or related to family traditions.


If a couple is on the fence about having a destination wedding, why should they consider it?

Not to continue all the doom and gloom about the economy, yet a destination wedding can be a sound financial decision for a couple that is struggling with how they are going to pay for the wedding of their dreams...especially if they are in a big city! A destination wedding allows you to cut your guest list drastically. You can leave off a lot of business associates and friends of friends. A smaller guest list allows for a more lavish affair! Additionally, destination weddings are perfect for the couple who has family and friends scattered all over the country. If these people are going to have to travel to your wedding anyway, why not have them travel to a wonderful, fun and romantic destination to share in your big day!


What is the single biggest source of wedding drama that you see and how can couples minimize it in destination wedding planning?

When planning a destination wedding, the biggest source of drama I see is when couples select a destination they are not familiar with. As I tell all my couples, a destination wedding takes a tremendous amount of trust, or you will have an overwhelming amount of stress! To alleviate the stress, I encourage the couples to travel to the destination a minimum of one time and engage the services of, and trust a planner in the destination of their choice. In addition to having a planner in the locale of their wedding, I feel it is equally important to also have a planner to work with them at home. The advantages of having a planner in the destination are numerous. Most importantly they will help you with language and cultural barriers in addition to knowing the best vendors in the destination. Additionally, a planner in the destination will be able to help you with the best all inclusive rates at local hotel properties because you have to remember the local planner most likely plans numerous weddings at a hotel property or other venues in their home destination, whereas you are only planning your one wedding. Local planners are volume buyers and can get you the best price possible. Personally, I feel there are no disadvantages to engaging the services of a local planner in the wedding destination.


What is the most interesting and unique destination wedding you ever planned? What made it so memorable?

The most interesting and unique destination wedding I have ever planned was in Ireland. Not only is Ireland one of the most beautiful and romantic locations in the world, the couple had Irish ancestors so it made it even more special. What made the wedding so memorable was that the wedding was held in a historic castle. I actually stayed in the castle along with the couple (all in separate rooms of course!) for three days prior to the wedding. Is there anything that could be more romantic than getting married in a castle in Ireland! Additionally, the castle was located in a very small town and everyone in the community celebrated the wedding of this couple they did not even know! We went from pub to pub dancing and singing with all the locals, Irish rugby players included! It was amazing, you would have thought it was the wedding of royals! The bride said she truly felt like a fairy tale princess getting married in a castle!


What is a good size to strive for in a destination wedding?

I feel the best size for destination wedding is 80-100 guests'. This is a very manageable and cost effective size for many fabulous resorts and venues around the world.


In light of the economic climate, how are couples adjusting their destination wedding plans to cope?

They are reducing the size of their guest list and are selecting destinations that are more reasonably priced.


What is the next big thing in destination weddings that you see couples doing?

I am seeing more and more couples incorporating the traditions and cultural of the destination in which they are getting married into their wedding ceremony. Additionally, couples are doing projects with their invited guests in which they are giving back to the local community. I anticipate the aspect of helping the local community and the people that live in those destinations in some way, as the next big thing in destination weddings!


What is the single best piece of advice you would give couples prior to planning a destination wedding?

A Save the Date card is critically important if you expect your desired family and friends to attend! Most people will need to plan ahead for budget reasons and additionally to request vacation time from work reasons.

Florida Wise Bride: Workshops & Lunch with the experts

I am so excited to finally announce this! On Sunday June 7th I will be hosting Florida Wise Bride Workshops & Luncheon. This amazing day will be anything but your typical bridal show. Rather than spending 3 hours walking down aisle upon of aisle of wedding vendors, this is an opportunity to sit down in an intimate environment, have a gourmet lunch (and perhaps a Married Mimosa or Bride's Bellini?), and get to hear the best advice from 8 of SW Florida's wedding experts. These aren't your standard wedding vendors I've gathered, you'll be hearing from nationally reknowned, best of the best wedding professionals. Even better, the event will take place at the new Holiday Inn at Gulf Coast Town Center. If you haven't been there, let me just say that you will be SHOCKED by what you see. It's not your mama's Holiday Inn!
Here's the line up for this event:

Creative Wedding Design, Kelly McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites

Making the Most of Your Photographer, Ashley Brockinton Photography

Cakes that Wow the Crowd, Karen Vazquez, Kakes by Karen

Styles of Photography, Krista Kowalczyk, Impressions Photography

Surviving the Elements: Make-Up & Hair that work, Kathy Cantu, RED Salon & Spa

Silhoutte Styling From Head to Toe, Tie the Knot Couture Bridal Salon

The New Boudoir: Sexy, Relaxed & Fun, Audrey Emerson, Audrey Snow Photography

Modern Wedding Videography, Rob Epple, AMC Video

Here's the deal gang- seating is VERY limited, are expected to sell out, and will not be sold at the door. Tickets for the workshops & luncheon($35) are available at WiseBrideTickets.com. Even better, Florida Wise Bride has its very own blog, complete with posts from the experts who will be at the event.

A sunset wedding ceremony and outdoor reception

Last month we started our wedding season off with a classic beach ceremony followed by a wedding reception that was probably the biggest party I have ever experienced! Photographer Cher Hanna captured the images below. I have to say that it took me hours to narrow down to these photos- there were so many to choose from...








Thank you to Cher Hanna Photography for sharing all these images!

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2009

Yesterday I finally had 30 minutes to read the recent diamond engagement ring covered issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. Never has Darcy Miller failed me. Each issue tops the last. I was ripping pages out left and right. You know its a good one when you actually rip out the entire resource section.Don't worry, I have a complete issue in the bride's library. One thing I want to note real quick before I get to the goods- Martha Stewart Weddings has one of the best magazine to website to blog relationships I've found and you know I'm all about efficiency and inspiration wrapped in one.
Alright- what I ripped out (a.k.a. the goods):

{Pg 94}, love love love these bouquets by Matthew Robbins. Steel gray and almost-red-its-so-pink: I want this one.
{Pg 160} the ribbon belt napkin ring placecard. Fabulous clean line and perfect functioning detail that adds to the table, without taking over the table.
{Pg 201} the escort card enclosures. Why didn't I think of this first? What a perfect way to alert your guests of some extras you've planned.
{Pg 207} the crepe cake. Ok, I just love this one because it reminds me of the Lithuanian wedding cake we're going to have made for a client next spring.
{Pg 214} If those clutches aren't the most darling little DIY projects! I think they would be fabulous for a bridal shower guest gift.
{Pg 219} the backdrop for a photobooth. I've found that the photobooths are still very popular. Guests love them and they make for great guestbooks. If you don't have room at your wedding (cocktail hour is best), try it at your welcome reception.
{Pg 228} a formal wedding. Again, I'm oh so drawn to steel gray these days. I adore this classy napkin fold and cumberbund escort card display.

Have your own favorite pages? Do share! Comments are adored.