Priceless

Yesterday I set up a new online survey to replace the post-wedding comment card system we have been using for the past six years.  I know, it's about time!  Happily, the first respondent was my favorite glamour girl, Kimberly.

"I had the most wonderful experience working with First Coast Weddings & Events! The professionalism and wealth of knowledge about wedding trends and vendors was priceless. I feel as though I lost a friend after our wedding planning ended!"

Silly Glamour Girl!  Now that the wedding is over, we can enjoy those pink cocktails together!  I've heard from Kimberly oh-so-fab photographers at Kris Graham Photography that we should have all of the wedding pics any day now!

Brittany and Michael's Live Wedding Update

This week is very exciting as we begin the final preparations for Brittany and Michael's wedding, live on Channel 4's Morning Show! We have not only a rehearsal, but two rehearsals scheduled for Thursday.  It will take quite a bit of coordination to have not only the wedding videographer and photographer but also four cameras from the station and the audio crew as well!  Thursday morning the entire crew will be on-site to walk through all the festivities with the bridal party, and then we'll get started at 5:00 am with preparations on Friday.

Be sure to tune in Friday morning at 8:00 am to see the beautiful wedding ceremony, the cake cutting, and the first dance!

Are You On Facebook?

I'll admit it, I'm new to Facebook. Well, I've had a profile for a while, but I haven't really done much with it. So today I was working on some marketing tasks and decided to start a Facebook Group for the clients, vendors and staff of First Coast Weddings and Events. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12724754205

If you are on Facebook I'd love to have you join the group! I'm learning as I go, but I see that we can start discussions - what a great way for our brides to connect with each other! If you have suggestions, please let me know at heather@firstcoastweddings.com.

Lynsie and Alex (05.03.08)

What a gorgeous couple! Not only could they both be models, but their love truly showed every time they looked at each other. I got to work with both Lynsie, who lives in Tampa, and her mom, who lives in Georgia, while we planned this special weekend. Lynsie has a very contemporary style, but still wanted to incorporate some of the more traditional wedding elements.

Her biggest concern was getting a priest's blessing during the ceremony, which is not an easy feat at a non-church location. Thanks to Rent-A-Priest.com, we found Rev. Tom Koester, and he did a fabulous job incorporating some of the more religious aspects into the ceremony. We even rented a kneeling bench so that Lynsie and Alex could pray together during the ceremony. It was a moving and beautiful moment! The Magnolia String Quartet added the perfect musical touch to the ceremony.

After the ceremony at The Lodge and Club's courtyard, the guests moved to a Cuban-themed cocktail hour, with coral-colored table linens, mojitos, and hors d'oeuvres. Local Latin trio Le Monde played background music to entertain the guests before they moved upstairs for the reception.

The reception kicked off with great music from The Atlanta Showstoppers while the guests enjoyed the ocean view. The tables were covered in white linens, paired with mahogany chiavari chairs, and topped with sleek calla lily centerpieces from Liz Stewart Floral Designs. The diamond-patterned wedding cake by Classic Cakes added more contemporary drama, but the small pearl details added that touch of tradition that Lynsie is fond of.

At the end of the evening, the guests moved down to the beach to send Lynsie and Alex off to their suite through a path of sparklers. Photographer Gary Denman of Naturally Photography captured all the highlights with an artistic and creative eye.

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Katie & Bill (04.20.08)

It was a beautful evening at the Ribault Club as Katie and Bill exchanged their wedding vows.  The happy couple from Atlanta planned a wedding weekend that their guests are sure to remember. Katie looked stunning thanks to Casey Powell and Kimtasha Armstrong.  As the guests arrived at the Ribault Club, they were welcome with lemonade and the sounds of the Magnolia String Quartet before moving to the ceremony site.  Rev. Ted Schroder's ceremony was wonderful.

Liz Stewart Floral Designs created beautiful bouquets for the bridesmaids, and the decor inside really felt like you were at a family member's home.  Katie, Bill, and their parents assembled photos for each table - some of Katie and Bill together, and some as they were growing up.  It added a wonderful, personal feel to the reception.

Catering By Liz provide incredible food stations throught the club, and their staff was wonderful (as always) to work with.  The wedding cake by Classic Cakes was an incredible addition to the menu.

Photographer Leah Powell and her assistant Ashley caught some amazing images, and I can't wait to post them.

Congratulations, Holly!

One of our talented wedding coordinators, Holly, give birth to a beautiful baby girl last month!  Our "wedding coordinator in training" was born March 16, and even though we missed her mom on a few weddings this season, we're excited she is here!

Shannon & Josh (4.5.08)

The weather was less than ideal, but Shannon and Josh still had a gorgeous wedding!  Their ceremony was held in the beautiful St. Joseph's Historic Church in Mandarin, and a reception followed at the Cummer Musum of Art and Gardens.  The original plans called for the dance floor and DJ to be outside, but with the heavy rain showers it had to be moved inside.  Aime Peterson and her team at Riverside Event Design did a fabulous job with the last minute changes, and Susan Mahla's team at the Cummer was great as well.  Susan is so wonderful to work with! The food from Designed Events was to-die-for, even when I got to eat it an hour after the guests did!  Oliv'r Twist kept the drinks flowing, while two DJs from The Pros kept the guests on the dance floor.

Luckily, Shannon and Josh met photographer David Allen at the Cummer a few days before the wedding for a photo session before the rain moved in, and got some great shots in the gardens.

Kimberly & Victor (3.29.08)

Wow.  That's all I can say about this wedding.  In fact, I'll say it again.  Wow! Kimberly and Victor have a wonderful story, and are a very special couple.  It's hard to believe it has been a year and a half since I first met Kimberly and her parents to talk about her wedding.  The ceremony was in the beautiful Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, which dates to the early 1900's.  And the reception that followed at the Omni Hotel's Florida Ballroom was amazing!

I use the term "dream team" a lot when referring to a wedding's vendors, but this event truly had the best!

• Photography by Kris Graham Photography
• Videography by Turner Classic Weddings
• Cake from Edgewood Bakery
• Floral and decor by Wilson's Ltd.
• Additional decor by PRI Productions
• Entertainment from both Biva Entertainment and McGee Entertainment
• Transportation from Carey

Kimberly really has an eye for detail, and this wedding was packed with them!  Monograms were created on the aisle runner, programs, banners on the church doors, menu cards, dance floor, favors... wow!  The "Old Hollywood" inspiration was carried through the color palette of black and ivory, accented with pale pink.  As an added touch, a red carpet and "movie premier lights" were added to the ballroom entrance.  A stunning gazebo structure framed the cake table, and soft pink uplighting made the ballroom glow.

I can't wait to share photos and video!

Kristen and Matt's Engagement Shoot

I just love this picture captured by Agnes Lopez of one of our cutie couples, Kristen and Matt!  Check out more images on the Agnes Lopez Photography Blog!

Kirsten and David on The Nest!

Congrats to our former clients, Kirsten and David, for being featured as The Nest's Real Couple Of The Week!  This super cute couple was married last May in St. Augustine, with a reception in Ponte Vedra Beach.  Here is a link to their article: http://ideas.thenest.com/LoveandSex/Articles/real-couple-kirsten-and-david/

For those of you unfamiliar with The Nest, it's the married-couple version of The Knot!  Be sure to check it out once you say your "I do's!"

Congratulations to Brittany and Michael!

The winners have been chosen for WJXT's "Reveal Your Romance" Dream Wedding!  Congratulations to Brittany MacPherson and Michael Doss for being selected.  The First Coast Weddings team is looking forward to working with you!

Melanie and Eric's Video Highlights

Our friend Wes at Scenecrafters sent an exciting email this morning!  It had the link to the highlight video for Melanie and Eric's December 1st wedding in St. Augustine. http://scenecrafters.com/wood.htm

A great job as always, Wes.

WJXT's "Reveal Your Romance" Wedding Giveaway

Local TV station WJXT (Channel 4) does a contest each Valentine's called "Reveal Your Romance."  This year, they will be giving away a complete wedding that will be live on the Morning Show! The contest was announced this morning on The Morning Show.  Engaged couples will be asked to write the story of their engagement, and send it in to the station or drop it off at Jacksonville's new Alfred Angelo store.  The producers will read through the submissions and narrow down the field to 10, then to 5. They will be looking for great, romantic stories. 

The winner gets a wedding in mid-May for up to 75 guests. It will be a weekday morning wedding and it will be shown live on Channel 4's Morning Show.  Everything will be provided, from catering to flowers to entertainment.  The "dream team" of vendors includes:

• Wedding attire from Alfred Angelo 
• Le Jardin on Park will be the venue 
• Wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses by Alfred Angelo
• Catering by Katerlady
• Cake by Classic Cakes
• Photographer Michael Myatt
• Videography by Turner Classic Weddings
• Floral design by Katrina Cox of Le Jardin on Park
• Hair stylist Casey Powell
• Makeup artist Kimtasha Armstrong
• And of course wedding coordination by First Coast Weddings and Events!

Watch our blog for updates as we begin working with the winning couple to produce their spectacular wedding!  Be sure to visit News4Jax.com for complete contest information.

Doreen & Andrew (1.26.08)

As a wedding photographer, Doreen has seen lots of weddings, and she created a simply stunning wedding for herself and Andrew! The most stunning element was the bridal party's attire - Doreen wore a pale blue wedding gown, while her bridesmaids wore  individual styles of ivory gowns. Gorgeous! And the groomsmen were equally handsome in their khaki suits.

The ceremony at St. Michaels Catholic Church was beautiful, with Doreen's brother escorting her half way down the aisle, and her father escorting her the remainder of the way to the alter.

When the guests arrived at the Golf Club at Amelia Island for the reeption, they were greeted by a photo area where each guest's picture was captured.  At the end of the evening, the photos were displayed in folders with a photo of the bride and groom from the wedding.  Wonderful!

The tables were lined with sheer gold runners and chargers.  Simple floral arrangements lined the runner, and a variety of containers held candies in shades of white, gold and pale blue.

Another truly unique element was the escort cards.  Each card was tied with ribbon and hung from branches in the center of a round table, but the truly special touch was at the bottom. Each card had crystals attached to it that were from an original chandelier at the Ritz Carlton next door.  Doreen had purchased the chandlier and took the crystals off individually to create this special momento for her guests.

The wonderful video below is by Chris Kennelly of Kennetic Productions.

Rehearsal Dinner Themes

I met with Rachel Deremer of The Perfect Pear Catering Company earlier this week, and she shared a great idea that she is working on. Rachel is creating menus based on destinations so that couples can select the theme that matches their honeymoon location.  These menus are perfect for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunch, and wil have food items that are completely different from the wedding reception.

The theme can be carried into linens, centerpieces, maybe even a photo backdrop.  Travel brochures or postcards can be scattered around a floral arrangement that matches the flora of your destination.  Linens can be bright colors or luxurious jewel tones.  And don't forget about a wonderful signature cocktail!

Free Bridal Show Tickets

Mark your calendars for the Jacksonville Bridal Connection Spring Bridal Show!  This fabulous bridal show will be held on February 24th at the UNF University Center. 

We're giving away two tickets each week between now and February 20th - all  you have to do is send an email with your name, wedding date and mailing address to info@firstcoastweddings.com!

James & Jessica (09.22.07)

Emma,

I intended to send this weeks ago... I have tried endlessly to find the right words to thank you enough for making sure our wedding day was fabulous.  From beginning to end, it was everything I dreamed and more.  While it was all over in a blink, everytime I look at the pictures an enormous smile comes across my face... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hard work and dedication to our wedding day.

(My mother thanks you as well - you guys kept her sane)

~ Jessica West

Happy New Year!

We are looking forward to another wonderful year with our 2008 brides!  Don't forget to mark your calendar for the next Jacksonville Bridal Connection bridal show at UNF's University Center on February 24th!

Melanie & Eric (12.01.07)

Melanie and Eric had a beautiful wedding day in St. Augustine!  The day started with the bridesmaids relaxing in the bride's suite at The Cozy Inn while they were pampered by extraordinary hair stylist Casey Powell and fabulous make up artist Kimtasha Armstrong.  Photographers Kris and Kate from Kris Graham Photography arrived at the Inn to take final getting ready shots, and then beautiful photos of the bride with her bridesmaids and family. Meanwhile, the guests were boarding the Old Town Trolley for a fun ride to the Oldest House for the wedding ceremony.  The bride's bouquet by Anything With Plants and Flowers was absolutely stunning, and officiant Cheryl Raby performed a touching and lovely ceremony.

The guests re-boarded the trolley for a quick trip through downtown before arriving at The White Room.  The reception was beautiful with the bride's candle and rose petal centerpieces and sheer silver table cloths.  The gorgeous cake from Publix (San Jose Blvd.) tasted as great as it looked, and the groom's brownie cake was a big hit!  DJ Carlton McGee kept the party going while videographer Wes Taff of Scenecrafters captured everything on film, including a very funny toast from the best man.

Instead of the bouquet and garter toss, Melanie and Eric opted for the Anniversary Dance - the couple married the longest had been married for over 50 years!  The couple offered advise to the newlyweds as the bride presented them with a small version of her bouquet.

At the end of the night, everyone (including the bride and groom!) climbed aboard the trolley one more time to enjoy the Nights of Lights on their trip back to their hotels.

The bride sent this terffiic email to all of their vendors:

Eric and I had an amazing wedding day on Saturday! And you all played a huge part in making it such a special day for us. We wanted to thank each of you for your hard work, guidance, patience, and professionalism. Everyone seems to really love what they do and it really shows!

We will highly recommend each of you to anyone who asks; and even those who don’t.  :) Feel free to give our contact information to anyone asking for references.

Thank you again for making our wedding day unforgettable!

Mark & Melissa (11.03.07)

Maggiano’s at the St. John’s Town Center hosted a very classy wedding for Mark and Melissa. The beautiful couple celebrated their marriage with over thirty out-of-town guests, including family members and friends. Some of the guests traveled from as far west as Colorado, and as far south as the southern tip of Louisiana, to attend this delightful destination wedding.

Mark and Melissa’s family arrived just in time for a quick rehearsal and then set off at record speed to do some last minute wedding shopping around the St. John’s Town Center.  Their most unusual find was a fabulous leather couch and chair set from West Elm, which they brought over to Maggiano’s to use during the actual wedding.  The gorgeous leather set was meant as a seating arrangement for their parents, but it unwittingly brought an extra touch of class to the already beautiful aesthetics inside of the wedding ballroom. 

On Saturday afternoon, both Mark and Melissa stopped by Maggiano’s (thankfully not managing to see each other), each wanting to check out the gorgeous arrangements of the yellow, pink and green cymbidium orchids from Anything with Plants.  They were also able to catch a glimpse of their delicious custom made cake by Piece a Cake, which was also donned with the breathtakingly beautiful cymbidium orchids.

At 6:20 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2007, a beautiful wedding ceremony was performed by Craig Grandstaff of Clergy Wedding Services, in which Mark and Melissa exchanged vows.  The couple personalized their ceremony and reception with yet another unusual find; Aaron Bing, a sax player that they ran across at an unsuspecting location, the Jacksonville international Airport! While Aaron was wowing the guests with his musical talent, they dined on delicious pasta and indulged in a sinful chocolate display.  

Also throughout the evening, Bassal Jadda, the wedding photographer, maneuvered his around the wedding guests snapping some great candid shots. Mark and Melissa’s wedding proved to be an ultra-classical affair, filled with joy and well wishes from friends and family near and far.