We love the holidays around the office, because nice people are always stopping by with goodies! Today it was the super-sweet Ashley English from Bella Bridesmaid, with the delicious cupcakes from Cami Cakes! Thanks, Ashley!
Cans for Comments
Several blogs I read daily are participating in a great holiday idea, so I thought I would join in too! For every comment left on our blog between now and December 22nd, we will donate one can to The Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida.
Show us the love, both for First Coast Weddings and for those in need!
Cocktails and Designer Wedding Gowns!
Two of my favorite things in one location! Sharon Batten is having a cocktail party and fashion show at her boutique this Thursday evening, and you won't want to miss it. Our team will be there, so contact us if you would like to join us.
BRIDAL FASHION SHOW Thursday December 11th
6-8pm
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
RSVP
Available by appointment Friday and Saturday
Oscar de le Renta
Vera Wang
Monique Lhuillier
Melissa Sweet
Priscilla of Boston
Lela Rose
The Cotton Bride
-- SharonBatten 330 A1A North, suite 212 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Ph. 904.285.4544, Fax 904.285.4244
Here's a description that Nicole emailed to me:
I hope that you will be able to make this event. This a great chance to see our gorgeous gowns being modeled. We will also have an assortment of extra gowns from the designers that we carry just for that weekend. If you can think of anyone who might be interested, please forward along. Hope to see you soon.
If you can't make it to the event Thursday, be sure to check out Sharon Batten's Brial Atelier for great designer gowns any time!
Gifts Your Bridal Party Will Love
Today I was strolling around one of my favorite place, Stein Mart, picking up some small gifts for friends, and I started thinking about wedding party gifts. How many times have you been a bridesmaid and gotten a silly little trinket that you've never used? Why not be practical with gifts? My favorite gift I have received was at my cousin's beach wedding - she had a beach bag with a towel, flip flops, and assorted other goodies for each bridesmaid, but personalized to each girl's taste. My bag was pink, with a pink print towel, and pink flip flops that I wore on the wedding day both before and after donning my Tiffany blue gown. I honestly couldn't even tell you what else was in there, but I'm sure I use most of it on a daily basis!
What is her favorite perfume? Favorite lotion or bubble bath? What books does she love? In theory, your bridesmaids should be your closest friends, so you should have no problem putting together a goody bag for them. Do they love purses? Shoes? Don't feel like your gifts need to be "wedding" specific!
And just for inspiration (and fun!), here is a peek at the gift bag that Eva Longoria presented to her bridesmaids!
- Assorted Mints from Altoids $10.00
- Baccarat Crystal Heart Bracelet $225.00
- Casio Cameras $300.00
- Chic In Paris: Style Secrets & Best Addresses by Susan Tabak $28.00
- Dearfoam Slippers $25.00
- Deborah Lippman Nail Polish Kit $80.00
- H. Stern Earrings $1,000.00
- Hayden Harnett Makeup Bag $65.00
- Kacey K Pendants $1,050.00
- Poivre Piquant and Piment Brulant Fragrances from L'Artisan $170.00
- Laura Mercier Cosmetics $99.00
- Lierac Skin Care Products $119.00
- Laurel Denise Necklace $108.00
- LG Chocolate Phone $150.00
- Longchamp Bag $120.00
- Luca Luca Gift Certificate $500.00
- Madame Paulette Spot Cleaning Kit $50.00
- Phaidon Paris City Guide $9.00
- Phyto Hair Care Products $92.00
- Sally Nails Manicure Kit $12.00
- Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted iPod Shuffle $150.00
- Totes Umbrella $25.00
- Piper Heidsieck Champagne $5.00
- White & Warren Wraps $200.00
- Flora Nikrooz Nightgown $200.00
- Alain Mikli Sunglasses $500.00
- Michel Cluizel Chocolate $75.00
- Plantronics Headsets $53.00
- Lia Sophia Red Crystal Deco Ring $150.00
- Lia Sophia Clear Crystal Baguette Bracelet $1,500.00
- Lia Sophia White Cabachon Earrings $200.00
- Lia Sophia Crystal Ring $75.00
- Lia Sophia Crystal Panel Bracelet $675.00
That's right, total value is over $8,000!
(source: OK! Magazine)
Tulle is a 4-Letter Word
"You can never have enough tulle!" I was listening to tonight's episode of "My Fair Wedding" on WeTV while sitting on the couch with my laptop, trying to organize my calendar for the short week ahead. When I heard the phrase, "You can never have enough tulle," I had to look up and hit the rewind button on my DVR.
I thought David Tutera's head was going to explode. Literally.
Luckily, he held it together with a smirk and a "oh yes you can!"
In case you haven't read Danielle's updated bio, she had a great take on this: "I believe that tulle has its place... and that place is underneath a wedding gown." Unfortunately, David's bride Amanda had an entire dress made of tulle, and was planning to have more tulle added!
If you are considering using tulle anywhere in your wedding (except UNDER your dress!), call a design professional for other ideas - whether it is your coordinator, your florist, or just a friend who knows fabrics. Organza, chiffon, and silk are much nicer words to use in your vocabulary.
(Strangely enough, David let her keep her tulle dress! I didn't see that one coming.)
Angelique & Matt (11.08.8) - Part 2
Incredible photographer Scarlett Lillian has posted more photos from Angelique and Matt's wedding! Check out more, plus a slideshow, on Scarlett's blog.
New Team Headshots
It's been on my to-do list for a long time, but it's finally done! We have a new team photo on our website.
Michelle Dearing of Oeil Photography did a fabulous job. I had a hard time choosing one picture of each person to use for the collage! Maybe I'll get creative and do something funky with them in the future.
Michelle just moved here from Pensacola, so be sure to check out her work if you have not booked a photographer already! You're going to love her style, I just know it.
I Think About Weddings, Even When On Vacation
I was out of the office for a few days enjoying a long weekend with two of my cousins, Mariel and Celeste. We had a great time eating our way through New Orleans and enjoying all that the city has to offer. But wouldn't you know it, one of the places we had to stop was a wedding chapel.
We spotted the French Quarter Wedding Chapel across the street as we were walking back to our room at The Iberville Suites - which I would highly recommend, by the way. Thinking the chapel was closed, we pressed our little noses against the glass to pear inside, only to be surprised by the approaching owner. He invited us in, told us a little bit about the chapel.
It is the only wedding chapel located in the French Quarter, and is owned by Tony and Lou Ann Talavera. Tony handed me his business card and I laughed when I saw his title: Ambassador of Romance.
Here is something that really sets this chapel apart from most: there are dollar bills stapled to their beautiful Cypress-beamed ceiling! Want to know why? You'll have to visit their website to read the story.
Internship Applications
We are now accepting applications for our internship program for December through February. The internship will run from December 1st through February 28th. Applicants must be available to work at least five hours per day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plus Saturdays and evenings as requested. Visit our Internship page for more information.
Angelique & Matt (11.08.08)
It was an interesting week as we prepared for Angelique and Matt's wedding. Angelique had planned a gorgeous reception in the Cummer Museum's Gardens, but by Wednesday the weather was not looking cooperative. After several revisions, her vendor team gave her a beautiful wedding, which you will see in the photos by Scarlett Lillian. (The one above is from Scarlett's teaser blog post!)
Aime Peterson of Riverside Event Design was instrumental in creating Angelique's vision. From a photo pulled out of a magazine, Aime crafted a garden party design that worked even when we moved the reception to the Terry Gallery.
Aime and her team created a beautiful tree in the center of the Loggia to display Angelique's beautiful escort cards. They were crafted from a piece of heavier card stock in a white and gold pattern, and then the guests' names were added on gold vellum by Cami Franklin of Calligraphy By Cami. The card stock was tied with a ribbon to the tree, and then accented at the bottom with a crystal.
Angelique looked beautiful in her gown, which she just purchased a few weeks ago after losing a ton of weight! Casey Powell and Kimtasha Armstrong did a phenominal job with her hair and makeup as well.
The ceremony was held at St. John The Divine Greek Orthodox Church, with The Reverend Father Nicholas Lough officiating.
Alan Franco from DJ Connection provided great entertainment throughout the reception, including lots of lively traditional Greek music! Greek Orthodox weddings are always some of my favorites, and two of my very good friends in the same church a few years ago. Martha Bush of Have Harp Will Travel provided wonderful music for the ceremony, and then also for the cocktail hour at in the Cummer Museum's Garden.
Matthew's provided a delicious four-course meal, and Chef Matthew Medure was kind enough to serve us lowly vendors the same meal. We truly appreciated his hospitality! Catering manager Elizabeth Van Nuys did a great job working with Angelique and Matt to customize the menu.
(That means "congratulations on your wedding" in Greek)
Hsinyi and Kevin's Engagement Shoot
Guess what popped up on my Google Reader today? An entry from Nikki McEneaney's blog with some shots from Hsinyi and Kevin's engagement session!
I am so excited to be working with this great couple as we finalize the plans for their March wedding in St. Augustine.
New Photo Galleries
One thing off the to-do list! I finally finished re-designing our photo gallery. I'll be revamping some photos from past weddings over the next few weeks, but for now there are four brand-new galleries from some spring weddings. Enjoy!
Chronicals of a Bride
I've spent five wonderful years within the events industry going to fittings and tastings.... picking out colors and linens.... and making sure that everyone gets down the aisle sans a crisis. I've hand-crafted bouquets and hand-sewn faulty zippers. I have helped dozens of brides find a voice and determine how to translate it into the wedding of their dreams... And now- it is my turn. That's right... I am getting married Spring 2009.
So what is it like to be a coordinator and a bride? Well, the truth is that it really is not unlike any other girl that gets married. I am still have a real budget that I must work within. I still have cultural and traditional elements that I must respect- and others that I must respectfully decline. I have a guest list that needs a bit of trimming and a wee little issue with control that I must learn to overcome. Thus, for the next few months, I invite you to join me on my journey to the alter. I'll take you along throughout the process in hopes that it will make your own planning a little easier- knowing that we are in this together...
Getting The Most Out Of Your Initial Consultation
By Lisa Burnett, Professional Bridal Consultant and owner of Elegant Weddings By Lisa The initial consultation is a get to know each other meeting for both the Bride as well as the Bridal Consultant. In order to get the most out of this meeting, it is best to come prepared. Although most Bridal Consultants are very knowledgeable and creative, your input puts a personal touch on the wedding. Whether you are starting from scratch or you have finalized some details of your wedding, these are some things you can do to enhance your first experience with the bridal consultant:
- If you have selected your dress bring a picture, or the style number and designer and be prepared to describe it. If you have not selected your dress give the consultant feed back on the color you plan to wear, as well as the style and formality. Your dress sets the tone for the entire event. If the groom is going to be present at the meeting your consultant will work around this situation without giving the groom an advance vision of the dress.
- Bring pictures of flowers, linen, table settings or any other decor or ideas that you have seen and want incorporated in your wedding.
- Have an idea of the color scheme you want to use in your wedding.
- If you have booked any vendors or your ceremony and reception venues, bring those contracts with you as well as any contact information.
- Set a realistic budget and be prepared to discuss it with your consultant honestly. The more your consultant knows about your budget, the better he or she can maximize your dollars.
- Have in mind an estimate of the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding.
- Decide on how many members you want in your bridal party.
- Most importantly set a wedding date, and have an idea of the time of day you want your ceremony to begin.
- If you have any family or cultural traditions that you want to incorporate into your wedding make your consultant aware of those as well.
- Make sure your consultant is aware of any special family situations.
- Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the consultant.
When selecting your consultant make sure you are comfortable with their personality, as the two of you will be spending a great deal of time together in the months to come planning your wedding. Always make sure the consultant you hire is licensed. A coordinator that is a member of a Bridal Association is a plus, because this means he or she is dedicated to their profession. Never make a decision based on price. The cheapest is not always the best. Remember as with everything in life you get what you pay for. An experienced consultant is priceless.
Super Cute Sparklers
Fabulous wedding blog Style Me Pretty has been featuring great DIY projects, and I saw one that I just had to share.
I simply love this idea. We are always looking for new and fun ways to handle sparklers, since so many brides and grooms love to have this departure shot in their wedding albums. And this is so simple: basically, it is a design printed onto card stock, with two little holes cut out for the sparklers to slide through. Genius!
Be sure to check out the post over at Style Me Pretty for the supply list and instructions. There are two posts, actually, one for the sparklers and one for the match books.
Yumminess at The White Room
Today I spent a great afternoon at The White Room in St. Augustine with bride Hsinyi and groom Kevin. In addition to sampling the yummy food like beef tenderloin and paella, strawberry mojitos and white wine sangria were offered as signature drinks.
The mock reception decor looked gorgeous. Serena chose an assortment of linens themed by row: blacks, whites and grays; blues and greens; and neutrals. Soft classical music set the tone for the afternoon, and florals by Flowers By Shirley accented the decor.
Claude's Chocolates (a local St. Augustine treat!) were featured in a display, packaged in adorable favor boxes.
Plus we got to preview The White Room Loft's new third floor balcony! What a view - I can't wait to see it with new flooring and lounge furniture.
Thanks for a great afternoon!
Bella Bridesmaids Bash
I was thrilled to attend the grand opening celebration of Bella Bridesmaids last night! What a fun evening. I got to spend some time with Agnes Lopez and her husband Damon, Mark Pennington and Joi Perkins, Liz Stewart and her whole team, Christine Hoffman from TPC Sawgrass, Lynette and Judy from Rose of Sharon, Susan and Michael from Wilson's Ltd., and Jaycel Atkins from Etiquette of Chocolate. Plus fellow wedding coordinators Monica Bernhardt from To-Doers and Christina Kopecki from Christina Kreations were there. (With all those photographers there, is it possible no one took any pictures?!)
Bella Bridesmaids specializes in - you guessed it - bridesmaid gowns. According to their website, Bella Bridesmaid was created by Southern gal Bridget Brown in response to an overwhelming need for stylish, wearable and modern bridesmaid dresses.
They have all the fabulous designers, like Jenny Yoo, Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Vera Wang, the list goes on and on! And I was drooling over some of the adorable shoes on display from Blue Tux - I really loved the metallics, especially this cute little number!
Be sure to visit the Bella Bridesmaid Jacksonville location, now open in San Marco:
1626 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207 Phone: 904.374.0351
Gratuity for Wedding Vendors
Gratuity for all wedding vendors is customary. Many brides wonder what should be the appropriate amount to tip their vendors. Tipping should always be based on the quality of service provided at your wedding. Some vendors will expect tips, and others will not. David Hanscom, Former President of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers and current President of the North Florida Professional DJ Association offered his insight on this subject. “While gratuity is a hot button topic it is something that frequently gets overlooked. It has always been customary to pay a gratuity to individuals that work in any service industry. Vendors in the wedding industry, such as Planners, Disc Jockeys and Musicians all provide a specific service versus a product. Many times their time and talent are how they measure their value and worth. Customarily a 15 – 18% gratuity is reasonable when you feel a service provider has gone above and beyond your expectations.”
One of the most valuable signs of your appreciation to your vendors would be to recommend them to others. A thank you card to your vendors is also a nice touch to show your gratitude for their hard work. By incorporating your planned vendor tips into you’re wedding day budget, you will have one less thing to worry about on your big day.
For more information on wedding day gratuity, check out the following web sites:
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/tipping.htm
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/wedding-gratuity-guidelines.htm
Introducing...Planning Websites!
Our team (especially Danielle!) has been working hard on developing a great new service for our clients, and I'm proud to announce that we are ready for the big reveal!
We are introducing Planning Websites for all of our brides and grooms to interact with their coordinator. It's a great way to share documents, photos, to-do lists, ideas and more!
We're still in the process of creating individual websites for our current clients, but we are busy uploading files! You'll receive an email when your website is up and running.
But don't be worried - these sites are only accessible to people that are invited, so the entire world won't know how much you're spending on your flowers or what your dress looks like!
Great Looks From NYC Bridal Market
In case you are one of the five brides on the planet that doesn't read Darcy Miller's blog, The Bride's Guide, you should hop over and check out the posts from last weekend. Darcy is Martha Stewart's Wedding Editorial Director, which means she oversees everything wedding. It was the bridal market week in New York, and Darcy and her team blogged live from all the runway shows. Here are some of my favorites that are featured in The Bride's Guide:
