Why Not To Replace Your DJ With an iPod

There is a lot of talk among the D.I.Y. set about cost-cutting measures for your wedding.  One I overhear frequently is "don't get a DJ - use your iPod for reception music."  This couldn't be a worse idea.

Think back to the last wedding reception you attended.  What do you remember?  The bride's dress?  The type of flower?  No.  You remember if you had fun.  And 9 times out of 10, "fun" is directly related to the entertainment.

A good DJ will not only play music - they will act as a Master of Ceremonies, keep the party going, make sure that everyone is where they need to be for important events (if you don't have a wedding coordinator!), and play music that the crowd responds to.  If everyone is having a great time dancing to disco, will your iPod know that and keep playing more?  No.  (Not yet anyway, although I wouldn't but it past the geniuses at Apple to come up with that feature in the future!)

So how do you adjust your budget to get a good DJ?  Take a look at your menu.  Do you have a fruit and cheese platter during cocktail hour in addition to passed hors d'oeuvres?  Cut it out.  It is probably about the same price as a DJ.  And I can guarantee that no one will miss it!

The video above was created by the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) showing what can happen when iPod weddings go bad.  It's a bit long but I encourage you to watch it if you are considering this option.  It's a real eye-opener.  It turns in to a bit of a commercial for ADJA at the end, but the overall message is great.

(And no, your wedding coordinator will not run your iPod for you all night.)

10 More Questions to Ask

As you begin interview potential wedding vendors, you will probably see a variety of lists of "questions to ask."  While these are a great place to start, here are some additional questions you may want to consider for coordinators:

1. How long has your company been in business, and how long have you been with the company?
2. Tell me more about the weddings in your portfolio.
   1. How much were you involved with the couple?
   2. Were you a day-of coordinator or did you help from the beginning?
   3. What was the design concept?
   4. What were the couples' personalities?  What was most important to them?
   5. Looking at specific details, did you come up with these or did the bride/groom?
3. What is your process for designing an event?
4. What should I expect from you if I hire your company?
5. Do you have a staff or other backup plan in case of emergency on the wedding day?
6. Is this your full time job or a second job/hobby?  (the only reason this really matters is in regards to the amount of time they will have to dedicate to you)
7. How many weddings do you personally work on at one time? (this shouldn't be too high - again, you don't want them to be stretched too thin!)
8. What makes your company different from the competition?
9. Are you involved with any professional associations?  Are you an active member?  To you participate locally, nationally, internationally?
10. MOST IMPORTANT:  Do you have a business license and liability insurance?

Of course, you should always ask for references - and check them!  I recommend asking for the names of other wedding vendors that they have worked with, as well as former clients.  DJs, photographers and venue coordinators will espeically be helpful.

Remember that anyone can put pretty pictures on a website - but were they really involved in that wedding? Or are they stock images?  Are those reviews online real?  If you spend some time researching reputible wedding consultants, they will have all the same information on the vendors they suggest to you, making your job so much easier!

Michelle + Jamaal in Florida Times-Union!

Sexy April newlyweds Michelle and Jamaal were featured in Sunday's Florida Times-Union! In case you missed it, here is the article by M.C. Finotti:

Never underestimate the resolve of a high school sweetheart.

Jamaal Fudge and Michelle Gibbs didn't formally meet until their senior year at Ed White High School in 2001. But Michelle had watched the shy, handsome football standout for months, especially in the cafeteria.

"I loved seeing him inhale his lunch, as if it was going to get up and run," said Michelle, laughing. "He was serious about his chicken nuggets."

One day, Michelle - who also describes herself as shy - approached Jamaal.

"I went up to him and I said: 'I just want you to know I like you,' " Michelle, now 25, recalled. "Then I ran away."

Jamaal didn't know what to think. "She ran off before I could say anything."

But he answered back a few days later when he inscribed a football card to Michelle, signing it: "Your friend, Jamaal."

The two soon became inseparable, spending the rest of their senior year and the summer before college together.

In the fall, Jamaal, now 26, left to play football at Clemson. Michelle went to the University of Central Florida and FAMU, where she majored in biology.

The two stayed together several years, but the physical distance between them took its toll. Both eventually started dating other people. But they remained friends, keeping in touch with e-mails and phone calls. And they always saw each other during the summer back home in Jacksonville.

Jamaal returned to Jacksonville in 2006 to play special teams and back-up safety with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Michelle and Jamaal started seeing more of each other, but only as friends. Then Jamaal hit Michelle with a bombshell: He was getting serious about his girlfriend from Clemson, who had gotten a job up North.

"And that's when I got really scared. I thought I was going to lose him forever," Michelle said.

But Michelle grabbed hold of Jamaal's heart and wouldn't let go. The soft-spoken Jamaal explained it this way: "I prayed, and I talked with my mother," said Jamaal. In the end, he decided to marry Michelle.

The two said "I do" April 25 at The Lodge in Ponte Vedra. Jamaal is now a safety for the Atlanta Falcons, and Michelle will attend a chiropractic school in Atlanta this fall.

Jamaal's cousin, Marvette Tooks, says she thinks it was a good thing they both tried dating other people because they were both so young when they first met. As Marvette put it, "We always knew they'd end up back together." Read the original article here: http://jacksonville.com/lifestyles/relationships/2009-05-31/story/i_do_i_do_high_school_sweethearts_find_each_other

Photo by La Dolce Vita Studio (www.LaDolceVitaStudio.com)

Erin & Eric (04.25.09)

On April 25^th 2009, l had the pleasure of coordinating the Erin O’Connor and Eric Rehmeyer wedding at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The weather was perfect and l had a great team of people to work with, including Darrin from Deland Entertainment, Judy and Lynette from Rose of Sharon, Michael from Jax Notary, Elizabeth McKee from the Hyatt and Zach Thomas from Zach Thomas Photography.

Zach Thomas took some of these amazing pictures of the wedding day, which are shown below. He is a great people person who puts everyone instantly at ease. He has a unique creative vision, and really captures the energy of the moment. To find out more information about Zach please check out his web site ztphoto.com.

Working with such a talented group of people is always an amazing experience, especially when you see everyone’s individual ideas come to fruition, creating a seamless wedding day event.

Michelle & Jamaal (04.25.09) - Part 3

More from our sexy April 25th newlyweds... the teaser video from In Motion Video Productions!!

New Spotlight Wedding!

We've updated our spotlight wedding feature on our website!  Be sure to check out some super-hot images from Michelle and Jamaal's wedding.  Thanks to Melanie and Bradford at La Dolce Vita Studio.

Another Bad Wedding Planner

I never bash my competition.  If a prospective client comes in and tells me she is meeting with other planners, I always ask who, and tell them a few great things about that person.  I am always happy to give advice to newer planners.  And of course, I love promoting the Association of Bridal Consultants. But this recent news story is such a sad commentary on our industry today: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=137748&provider=rss

This is the second "wedding planner" (and I use that term loosely) that has been in the news this year.  So as a reminder, please, please, please do your homework before hiring any wedding professional!

• Check with industry associations to verify claims of membership or certification
• Research the company with the Better Business Bureau
• Ask for referrals from past clients - and check them!  I usually ask for references from other vendors too - reception venues, DJs, photographers and videographers tend to see and hear a lot at weddings!
• Be sure they are licensed for their industry - check local/state websites for proof
• Get everything in writing

Florida's Brides Blog

A great new resource has been introduced today for Florida brides!

This new blog is a great resource for real weddings throughout the state.  Check it out at http://floridabridesblog.com!

A Wedding Time Out

I moved to Jacksonville seven and a half years ago from Orlando. I was born in Orlando and lived there until I went to college - Flagler College in St. Augustine. I couldn't wait to get back to Orlando after graduation. But somehow I ended up back in North Florida a few years later, and have loved every minute of it. There are so many wonderful things to do in Jacksonville that are free or very inexpensive. I hope that as our brides and grooms are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, they take the time to spend some relaxing time together.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Beaches Fine Art Series present a number of free concerts throughout the year. Tonight my mom and I enjoyed the 15th annual pops concert at the SeaWalk Pavilion in Jax Beach.

Riverside Arts Market is a new hot spot for Saturday mornings. Check out awesome art, entertainment and food every Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm under the Fuller Warren bridge.

Cruise the St. Johns River on the water taxi for a quick and inexpensive break. Jump on at The Landing, and cruise over to River City Brewing Company for a bite to eat.

Friday nights during the summer are known for Moonlight Movies in Jax Beach. The best part is that you can bring your own food and drinks (even wine or beer!) and have a picnic before the movie starts.

Enjoy the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for free every Tuesday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm!  Browse the current exhibits or stroll the spectacular gardens.

Art Walk is held throughout the region on various nights:  downtown Jacksonville - first Wednesday; Jacksonville Beaches - second Tuesday; St. Augustine - first Friday.  These events are free and feature art and entertainment by local artists.

Do you have more ideas to spend time with your hunny without breaking the bank? Post a comment here!

Pictures of Hope: Naomi Williams

Earlier this week, we learned some heartbreaking news about friend and wedding photographer Naomi Williams... please read the information below:

Just one month ago, 29-year-old wedding and portrait photographer Naomi Williams of Ponte Vedra Beach was living a normal life; watching her 2½-year-old son Jake grow bigger by the day, running a successful studio and together with her husband Nik of 8 years, they were looking for a bigger home and hoping for a little brother or sister for Jake.

That was before everything changed. What started as a pain in Naomi’s back led to several tests and surgeries and then, the verdict: Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma - a type of skin cancer which has spread from its original site to other parts of the body, in Naomi’s case into her spine, pelvis and lungs.

The emotional burden of this grim discovery and the journey ahead is difficult enough. We can all offer words of support and our heartfelt prayers, but there’s something equally powerful we can do for Naomi, Nik and Jake. Like so many other, the Williams family lives on dual income. Obviously, Naomi is unable to work causing a financial burden that this young couple simply can’t concentrate on right now.

Pictures of Hope is a collaborative response initiated by family and friends of Naomi Williams. We are trying to raise funds for Naomi and her family who have just begun a very tough and challenging journey. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of currently approved treatments - such as Chemotherapy and Radiation - for Stage 4 Metastic Melanoma are very limited. Should Naomi’s body not respond to her current treatment, she and Nik will be seeking alternative treatment programs abroad which have had greater rates of success but are not covered under insurance.

In addition to this website initiative, we have also designed an event called Picture A Cure which is aimed at raising awareness of skin cancer - so that other families can be reminded of the importance in taking measures in disease protection, living in the moment, and planning ahead if disaster should strike. Picture A Cure is scheduled for June 13th 2009 and will help raise  funds for Naomi and for skin cancer research. Tickets will have a suggested donation value of $50 per person. Due to space considerations, a limited number of tickets are available. If you’d like to request a ticket, please email your address and your desired number of tickets to: info@naomiwilliams.com.

Please join us as we support an incredible woman who has had a huge impact on so many lives - through her work as a wedding and portrait photographer, as a mother, wife and as a friend.

Please join us in sending your prayers and well-wished to Naomi and her family, and visit the website at http://fornaomi.com/.

Jill & Michael (04.04.09) - Part 2

Jill and Michael's video teaser is online at InMotion Video Productions!

Danielle & Jay (04.18.09) - Part 2

Danielle's wedding was featured today in the Florida Times-Union!  Here is the full text of the article:

When wedding planner Danielle Gregory and her longtime boyfriend, Jay Bamba, decided to marry, they decided they wouldn't let the wedding steal the spotlight from their marriage.

"We didn't want the sentimentality of the day to be overshadowed by a crazy bouquet or a full orchestra," said Danielle, 24, a wedding coordinator at First Coast Weddings and Events.

Danielle knew the wedding wouldn't be elaborate. For one thing, her family is feeling the effects of the recession, which meant an affair on a budget: $10,000, to be exact.

"I actually came in a little under," she said.

Danielle, who loves to read a wedding blog called StyleMePretty.com, saved a lot of money by doing things herself. She screen-printed her invitations and learned calligraphy, so she could address them.

She also saved money on her dress. "I wore a no name chiffon gown from a department store and made my own birdcage veil," Danielle said.

A few days before her wedding day, Danielle turned her refrigerator into a flower cooler and went to Whole Foods to buy $200 in flowers in shades of purple and raspberry. Danielle used tulips and Calla lilies for her bridal bouquet, wrapping them with a piece of crochet made by her grandmother.

Danielle and Jay met in 2001 at Ridgeview High School in Clay County. "I had seen her around school, and I thought she was real pretty," said Jay, 25, a field technician at Comcast.

Jay wanted to marry two years ago, but Danielle's mother said no.

"She thought we were too young," Danielle said. Jay asked again this past Christmas. This time, Mom put up no objections.

"She thought we were ready," Danielle said.

The couple said "I do" April 18 beside the Treaty Oak on Jacksonville's Southbank before 150 guests. Their dinner reception was held at Maggiano's Little Italy.

"Food cost about $6,500," Danielle said. "That was for a five-course meal."

To save money, the couple decided against a wedding cake and opted for the desserts that came with their five-course meal.

They also invited guests to participate in an heirloom dessert buffet. Several days before the wedding, two dozen guests sent Danielle their favorite dessert recipes. She turned them into a recipe book and screen-printed copies of the pages.

Guests brought three batches of their favorite dessert to the wedding and went home with different recipe pages. For Danielle, it was a simple but soulful way to achieve the wedding she wanted.

"I've seen many beautiful weddings," she explained. "But the ones I liked the most were the ones that were meaningful."

Michelle & Jamaal (04.25.09) - Part 2

Melanie and Brad of La Dolce Vita Studio posted some images of Michelle and Jamaal on their wedding day - check it out on their blog!

Danielle & Jay (04.18.09)

After years of planning other peoples' weddings, Danielle finally made it down the aisle with her high school sweatheart Jay.  I'm sure that Danielle will post a blog entry soon with her side of the story, but for now, we'll just say CONGRATULATIONS!

Check out more photos from the Oeil Photography blog.

Michelle & Jamaal (04.25.09)

I usually ask my brides, "Are you ready?" before we begin the rehearsal.  Michelle's answer was "I've been ready for this day for a long time!" Michelle and Jamaal met in high school, and Michelle has stayed by Jamaal's side through high school football, college football at Clemson, and two NFL teams (the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons).  Today, she finally got to hear the words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Jamaal is so romantic, he even hired a photographer to capture the proposal!

We only had a short time to plan their dream wedding due to Jamaal's training schedule with the Falcons.  So we set our sights on an April date and got to work!

We had several site visits set up before Michelle moved to Atlanta to be with Jamaal, but as soon as she and her mom saw The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra Beach, the decision was made.  And what an easy decision it was!

Beautiful decor from Anything With Plants and Flowers added to the gorgeous venue and added the vintage-glamour touches that Michelle wanted.  Check out the centerpieces, with feathers, crystals and pearls!

La Dolce Vita Studio's Melanie and Bradford Watson were selected as the photographers, and InMotion Video Productions was chosen for the videography.

Brooke Alford provided romantic violin accompaniment for the oceanfront wedding ceremony, and a saxophonist provide background music during the cocktail hour under the trellis.

As a sentimental touch, Edgewood Bakery created the wedding cake and groom's cake - the bakery had also created Michelle's parents' wedding cake for their wedding!  The shop opened in 1947, and serves the best pastries and sandwiches in addition to their beautiful special occasion cakes.

A friend of the bride and groom, Rasheen Waring of Dynamic Musician ENT, kept the dance floor packed all night. Congrats, Michelle and Jamaal, I wish you many more happy years together!

(other than the engagement pics, the photos in the post are my snapshots, pro images coming soon!)

New Internship Dates Announced

I've just updated our Internship page with the summer dates! If you are a college student looking for a summer internship, click here.

I Do Radio Interview

Be sure to listen to my interview on I Do Radio this Saturday at 11:00 am!  I'll be chatting with host Angela Chester about planning your wedding day to be stress-free.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/I-Do-Radio

The Garden Club - Before + After

Everyone who has been to The Garden Club of Jacksonville knows that it is a blank slate! So I thought I would share yesterday's transformation for Kristin and Sam's wedding. (note: these are my snap shots with my camera, so not great images!)

THE GARDEN CLUB - BEFORE This is what the Garden Club provides, and how the room looked when we arrived.

THE GARDEN CLUB - AFTER Once we set the ivory pintuck table cloths, black chiavari chairs, and coral sashes and napkins, the room started coming together! Add in the ivory and gold china, gold flatware, and menu cards tucked into each napkin, and it starts looking great. Once the centerpieces from Wilson's Ltd. arrived, it was amazing!

Incidentally, so many couples think it is cheaper to rent a space like this than to have a reception at a hotel or country club.  If you are one of them, be sure you are comparing apples to apples - look at all the extra costs involved, like renting china, glassware, flatware, bringing in serving staff, linens, bartenders, and catering supplies.  You can easily spend an extra $3,000-$5,000 on these items for a wedding of 150 guests!

Elizabeth & Patrick (04.10.09)

Danielle coordinated an amazing wedding last weekend!  Since she is busy with her own wedding preparations (CONGRATS, DANIELLE!) I thought I would share this link to a blog post from Oeil Photography about the wedding.

Check out the post for more AMAZING images!

Wedding Wire + Facebook

I just got an email today announcing Wedding Wire's new Facebook application.  Here's the details:

With the new App, engaged couples will have the ability to search for local vendors (that's you!) and create a Personal Wedding Blog right on Facebook. The new App will allow engaged couples to share their wedding details with all of their friends, family, and loved ones.

Sounds like this will be fun for our couples to use!  Have you checked out our Facebook page yet?

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Jacksonville-FL/First-Coast-Weddings-and-Events/