More blog nominations! Check out Wedding Channel's first ever Bridal Blog Awards! If you like our blog, we'd love it if you stop by to cast your vote! Here's how it works:
1. Go to our nomination post in the forum: http://forums.weddingchannel.com/main.aspx/bridal-blog-awards_blog-nominations_something-talk-first-coast-weddings-events-blog
2. Reply within the thread and add your reason why you think our blog should win!
Nominations end July 8th. Thanks for your support!
I am honored to be in the Featured Vendor Profile today on the So You're EnGAYged Blog! If you aren't familiar with this relatively-new blog, here is a snippet from their website:
So You’re EnGAYged seeks to match same-sex and allied couples with wedding vendors who actively support LGBT rights and freedoms, including, but not limited to, same-sex marriage. By highlighting voices from within the LGBT community, So You’re EnGAYged further works to build a community that can dispense advice, recommendations, and support to couples in the wedding-planning process. As the wedding industry has grown larger and more ubiquitous, we hope to serve as a reference for those who seek vendors whose business practices align with deeply held values.
One of the most important pieces to a bride's outfit on her wedding day is her shoes. While it is common for a bride to wear a pair of shoes she already has, many brides purchase a new pair of shoes for this special occasion. At the end of her wedding day, the last thing any bride would want is a blister. Unfortunately, new shoes are the epitome of such a situation. On the bright side, there are a few ways this unwelcome occurrence can be avoided!
Before purchasing, make sure the shoes you are interested in fit properly. Blisters usually occur because a shoe is too tight or too loose. If a shoe store does not offer the size you need for the shoe you love, ask them if they can check other stores for you. If this does not work, check the internet. Considering that another culprit of blisters is sweating, ensure that your shoe has plenty of breathing room for your foot. These are very important factors to keep in mind before you buy your wedding day shoes.
After making the purchase, wear your new pair around the house for a few hours. This way, you will not only break them in, but you can also make sure they don't blister in places like your heel, or pinky toe. If they do blister, you have two options. You can either exchange that pair for a different one, or arrange to wear Band-Aids in the proper places on your wedding day.
If you plan correctly, blisters and unpleasant foot pains can be easily avoided simply by taking a few extra steps before your wedding.
(photo courtesy of La Dolce Vita Studio, from Michelle and Jamaal's April wedding)
I'm so honored that we are a BlogLuxe Awards: Blog You've Learned From Nominee! Voting is open until July 6th, and each person can vote once per day. 2009 BlogLuxe Awards will be presented at the SocialLuxe Lounge event at BlogHer '09 in July!
I hope you will stop by and vote for us - and vote often!
I just got an interesting email from fellow ABC member Lauren Saul about her product, the Kedai Photo Kiosk. This a new take on the photo booth, incorporating your guests photos into one slideshow and online gallery.
Your guests simply take their memory cards out of their cameras, insert them into the special kiosk, and then choose the photos to add. Each guest gets their own gallery on the website, and all the photos are compiled into an instant slideswhow.
Check out the website for great step-by-step videos!
Have you seen the July/August 2009 issue of Brides? I'll be honest, I hadn't read it yet, but then I got this email from my cousin (and bride-to-be) Celeste in Los Angeles: "I just read a quote and at the end it was from you!" If you have a copy, check out page 93 for a tip from yours truly:
"It's always nice to hear that someone really wants to work with you," says Heather Canada, of First Coast Weddings and Events in Jacksonville, Florida. "If it seems like they are just looking for deals, I'm unlikely to discount." Canada doesn't slash prices, but she'll throw in extra services or create custom packages for couples with modest means.
What an honor to be quoted in such a prestigious publication! The complete article, called "How To Negotiate With Vendors," starts on page 92.
One of the best parts of my job is getting thank you notes from our lovely couples after the wedding. This morning, I found this note from Michelle and Jamaal in my stack of mail:
Heather,
Thank you for making our day stress-free and perfect. Your interpretation and execution of ideas is flawless. You did a great job and made our day that much special. Couldn't have done it without you. God bless, thanks again.
Michelle & Jamaal
I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for "Diva's Night Out" last weekend, and let me tell you, what a great way to spend an evening with your girlfriends!
The event started with some yummy hors d'oeuvres and "adult" punch provided by our host, The Omni Hotel Jacksonville. While we were mingling, some ladies got their makeup done by Patricia Kozack, while others enjoyed a quick, sassy photo session with Jennifer Brum of Peek Romance Photography. Then it was time for the real fun!
Lynn Maxey of VIP Women’s Dance Parties led the group in some basic belly dance moves, followed by a sexy chair dance demonstration. But ladies, this isn't just for fun - talk about a work out! Lynn actually teaches these classes for fitness - one hottie in the group lost a whole dress size after just a few weeks working out with Lynn.
Following our dance lesson, we got to hear about some of the exciting (no pun intended) products from Sugar and Spice Passion Parties.
And of course a diva party wouldn't be complete without some treats! Edgewood Bakery provided a yummy cake for us to enjoy.
These parties will be great for bachelorette and birthday parties - check out the website for more info!
I was just looking over the 2009 Fall Color Report from Pantone, and realized that I hadn't posted about it. Here's a peak if you haven't see the hot colors for fall:
Download the Pantone Fall 2009 Color Report (PDF)
I ♥ so many of these color combinations. The possibilities are endless! What are your favorites? Are you using any of them in your fall wedding?
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.)
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:
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!
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)
On April 25th 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.
More from our sexy April 25th newlyweds... the teaser video from In Motion Video Productions!!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 and Michael's video teaser is online at InMotion Video Productions!
