Love Notes: Megan & Vivek

I just got a super-sweet note from our September 25, 2010 bride Megan:

"I thought Heather did an amazing job! She found the best people for my wedding and made sure if ran very smoothly.  I could not have done it without her.  I'm so grateful I found her.  Thank you for making my days so amazing, beautiful and special.

I especially recommend her since I was planning a destination wedding.  Excellent job!"

This photo is from Megan and Vivek's engagement session - to see more, check the La Dolce Vita Studio's blog.  More wedding details will be posted soon!

Wish Upon A Wedding Auction

First Coast Weddings is proud to be part of The Wedding Party's donation to the Wish Upon A Wedding auction!  Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation.  Our organization offers couples a chance to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts of existing health or other serious issues, while surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Our destination wedding package valued at $5,800 is perfect for a weekday wedding with up to 50 guests.  Check out The Wedding Party's blog for complete details, and visit the Wish Upon A Wedding auction site to bid on this and hundreds of other great items starting October 1st.

Pantone's Top 10 Spring 2011 Colors

It's that time of year again - Fashion Week!

These are the colors chosen as the Top 10 colors for Spring 2011.  I can't wait to see some of these fun and bright colors hit the stores!

Bridal Show Week!

It's bridal show week again here at First Coast Weddings and Events!  In case you don't know, we co-produce the Jacksonville Bridal Connection bridal shows, held twice a year at the UNF University Center.  If you are interested in attending, click for all the details:

http://www.JacksonvilleBridalConnection.com

While we're busy getting ready for the show, we thought we'd share some bridal show tips:

• Pre-register if you can.  Often, there will be a discounted admission if you register online, plus you can skip the hassle when you arrive.  Registering will qualify you for some awesome prizes at the show!
• Have pre-printed labels with your name, address, email, phone number, and wedding date.
• Bring your schedule (calendar, Blackberry, iPhone) with you - you may want to schedule meetings with vendors right away!
• Don't be afraid to ask questions!  The pros you meet do weddings all the time, but they know that this is you're a novice.  There are no dumb questions.
• Wear comfortable shoes.  You will do quite a bit of walking and be on your feet for 2-3 hours.
• Grooms can have fun too!  Most shows have a wide variety of food and cakes to sample.

We have FREE tickets left for Sunday's show, so drop by The Wedding Party to pick up a pair!

It's a Girl!

We're thrilled to announce that Melanie and her husband Eric have a beautiful baby girl!  Madison Mary was born yesterday, and everyone is doing great! As some of you know, Melanie is not only part of our amazing coordination team, but she is also a former client!  I met Melanie and Eric as they began planning their December 2007 wedding in St. Augustine, and I had a great time getting to know them and their families.  So when Melanie came to me about a year later and asked if she could intern with me, I was thrilled to say yes!

When Melanie told me she was pregnant, I almost fell off my chair.  But I couldn't be happier for her and Eric, and I can't wait to have Baby Madison as part of the First Coast Weddings team!

Awards - What Are They All About?

If you look at any wedding professional's website, you are likely to see some type of award they have won.  Which is great! But before you use that solely as your decision-making factor, take a look at that award and see how it was earned.

• Brides voting:  These awards are usually reputable.  The Knot has awards, Wedding Wire has awards, and many other well-known wedding sites have awards.  But also remember that anyone can register as a "bride" and vote, so there is still a slight chance of not-so-honest results.
• Industry peers or associations:  These awards mean the most to me.  They show that not only do your clients love you, your fellow professionals do too.  The field is often limited, and judging is usually done by well-known folks in the industry.
• Paid "awards": Yes, they are out there.  "Send us $100 for your plaque..."  I don't think I really need to explain this one!

I was honored to be nominated for one of the National Association of Catering Executives' Best Wedding Reception of the Year awards.  NACE has a very lengthly submission process, and from those submissions, only a handful make it through to actual nominations.  This year's awards were held at the NACE Experience! 2010 conference in July, and while I didn't win, it was such an honor just to be a nominee.  I even got to wear a little sticker on my name badge that said "Award Nominee!"  Out of 600 conference attendees and over 4,000 members, it was so special to be in such an elite group.

As you are interviewing prospective vendors, please be sure to ask questions!  Not only about awards, but also certifications, education, and associations.

NACE Experience! 2010

I've just gotten back from Austin, TX, where I attended the National Association of Catering Executives annual conference, Experience! 2010. There are so many highlights, I'll have to write several posts over the next few days as I go through my pages of notes and tons of photos!

For me personally, the highlights were:

• Being runner-up for Best Wedding Reception of the Year (with over 4,000 members, this is such an honor!)
• Teaching a session on "Wedding Harmony," which included a great discussion between wedding planners, venue managers, and event professionals
• Getting to spend time with my local NACE pals, seeing old friends from across the country, and meeting new event professionals to inspire me
• Learning about new trends, products and services to share with my clients
• Riding a mechanical bull!

Watch for more details soon...

Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale

The Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns is coming to Jacksonville! This unique opportunity allows brides-to-be a chance to find the gown of their dreams at a remarkable price, while helping to make wishes and memory-making events come true. Most gown prices range from $99 to $799, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000.  More than half the gowns presented during each event are NEW designer gowns that arrived directly from designers, manufacturers and bridal retailers.

You won't want to miss it!

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront 225 E Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202

VIP NIGHT Friday, July 23: 6 PM – 9 PM $45 per Bride and guest, $20 each additional guest In addition to getting first pick of the gowns, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a mini-bridal show, and a wedding expert panel discussion Buy tickets in advance

GENERAL SALE Saturday, July 24: 10 AM – 8 PM Sunday, July 25: 10 AM – 6 PM Free Admission

(this is me, volunteering at the Brides Against Breast Cancer gown sale in Orlando in 2009!)

Happy Anniversary, Lauren and Jeff!

Happy anniversary to Lauren and Jeff, who were married at TPC Sawgrass one year ago today!

(photo by Agnes Lopez)

Premier Bride New Issue Reception

Happy Anniversary, Paul & Sara!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to one of our amazing couples, Paul and Sara!

(photo by Agnes Lopez)

Jennifer & Ryan (05.30.10)

We had the pleasure of coordinating Jen and Ryan's beautiful wedding at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa on May 30, 2010.  Here's a peak at the slideshow created by their photographer, Ken Godwin: Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception:  Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa

Ceremony Music: Kyle Wehner

Reception Entertainment:  The Faze Band

Photography: Ken Godwin Studio

Videography: Digital Dream Productions

Floral: Anything With Plants and Flowers

Mobile Apps: What Do You Want?

Today, I finally joined the Android revolution. I've been wanting an Android phone for quite a while now, but wanted to wait for contract renewal time to get a better price.  So I waited and studied and researched, and then waited some more, because the MyTouch 3G Slide from T-Mobile was coming out.  Today.  And now I am the proud owner of one, in white of course!

I noticed that a lot of wedding photographers have Android apps, and being a computer geek I want one too.  So the question is, what would you, as a bride or wedding professional, want to see in a First Coast Weddings app?

Many such apps combine blog syndication and Twitter feeds, but is that really something a bride would use every day?  I don't think I'm all that interesting.

So let me know what is missing in your Android life - and I'll try to make it happen!

Tuesday Tips: Making It Personal

The days of the "cookie-cutter" wedding are long gone - but how do you find just the right look for your big day?

• Start with something meaningful to you.  Did you get engaged in Italy?  Do you have a hobby that you both love? Start by incorporating touches that reflect your life together as a couple.
• Before you send  save-the-dates, create a monogram, motif or other design that you can incorporate into all of your printed materials.  Just remember, your monogram should not include you new last name initial until after the wedding.
• Work with your cake baker to create a custom design that reflects the look of the reception.  Your cake is an important focal point for your wedding (and especially your photos!) so don't skimp here!
• Tie your reception menu in with your theme.  Or, incorporate your favorite foods or family recipes!  Most chefs are willing to discuss custom options, all you have to do is ask.
• Don't forget to add tablecloths, chair covers, and other decor to match the overall look!

(image above by Ten23Designs)

Tuesday Tips: Stress Busters

It's easy to get stressed out, even if you aren't planning a wedding. Here are some quick and easy ways to reduce stress in your every-day life:

• Get out of the office on your lunch break, and take a walk.  If your job requires you to sit in front of a computer all day, take several breaks during the day to stretch.
• Even if you can't leave the office for lunch, don't eat lunch at your desk.
• Exercise regularly - even a game of catch with a friend or a walk with your dog will help clear your mind.
• Allow extra time to get to appointments - plan to arrive 15 minutes early, in case there is traffic, road closures, or you get lost.  You should still arrive on time without being stressed!
• Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.  Keeping things bottled up won't solve a problem.
• When you are feeling stressed about something, ask yourself, "Is this really important?" or "Will this matter a year from now?"
• Do something creative.  Doodle on a notepad, paint a picture, write a poem - anything different from your ordinary daily tasks.

Tuesday Tips: The First Look

I know: half of you are reading this saying, "what's a first look?" More and more frequently, brides and grooms are seeing each other before the wedding ceremony, even if their religion doesn't dictate doing so.  It takes the pressure off, and allows a lot more time for photos.   Plus this leaves time for the bride and groom to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests!

If you plan to see each other before the ceremony, ask your photographer and videographer about staging a First Look.  We've been doing this for several years now, and it just gets better and better! Here are some tips for getting great photos and videos:

• Choose a great location for your first look.  It should be interesting but private.
• Ask your bridal party to wait in the distance so that you two can have a few private moments together.
• Be prepared to cry - both of you.  Have tissues handy!
• Be sure to talk to your wedding pros in advance.  They may have ideas for locations at your venue that will look great.

Love Notes: Christina and Brandon

I just got the sweetest email from Christina, whose wedding we coordinated in February: "I never really got a chance to thank you for all the hard work you did. I am SO glad that we decided to have you coordinate everything and you did such a great job - I didn't have to worry about anything and the wedding was amazingly stress-free for my parents, Brandon, and me!"

Tuesday Tips: Postponing Your Wedding

It's not a topic that any couple wants to think about.  But, some weddings do need to be postponed for one reason or another - military service, family illness, and finances, just to name a few.  If you find yourself in a situation where the wedding must be re-scheduled, here are some tips:

• Let your guests know as soon as possible, so that they can change or cancel travel arrangements with the least amount of penalties.  If invitations have not been mailed but the date has been announced, send a simple card explaining that the date has changed.  If invitations have gone out, the guests will need to be notified by phone.  Depending on the situation, you may want to enlist the help of family or close friends to make the calls.
• Ask your vendors if your deposits can be transferred to your new wedding date.  Even is you don't have a new date just yet, they may agree to apply the deposit if you re-book within a certain period of time.
• If you can't re-book a vendor, ask if there is something else you can get for that money.  For example, if your reception was scheduled at a country club, see if you can get a club membership, or host another family event there instead.
• All couples should look into wedding insurance.  It can cover fees, deposits, etc. in case of a last-minute cancellation due to illness or death in the immediate family, as well as severe weather or major transportation shutdown.

Tuesday Tips: Trunk Shows

If you are in the market for a wedding gown, you may have seen invitations to trunk shows.  And you may be wondering, what is a trunk show, and should I go to one?

A trunk show is typically one or two days, where the designer or their representative travels to a bridal salon to showcase their new line.  Most salons have limited space for display and may not be able to have an entire line on hand - this gives you a chance to see more variety from a designer.

• Make an appointment! Time slots usually fill up fast.
• Talk to the designer or their rep about changes you'd like made to the dress - they should be able to easily tell you what will work and what won't.
• Ask about discounts.  There may be special incentives for ordering at the trunk show, or you might get those little changes (adding length, changing the neckline, etc.) thrown in for free.

Our friends at Sharon Batten are having a Ramona Keveza trunk show this weekend.  Call the shop at (904) 285-4544 for more details.

Tuesday Tips: The Bachelorette Party

When you hear the term "bachelorette party," it conjures images of drinking and craziness and strippers.  And that's exactly what some people want for their "last" night out with the girls.  But one of the most frequent questions I get is regarding other options for a girls' get-together.  Here are some ideas to consider:

• Road Trip! It doesn't have to be a trip to Vegas, a la The Hangover, but why not take a little weekend getaway with your pals?  Relax at a spa or on a beach; be adventurous and go mountain climbing or whitewater rafting; or spend a weekend shopping in another city!
• Make Something! Consider a night at a pottery-painting studio, where all the girls can paint something special for the bride.  Many shops allow you to bring in food and drinks, but ask ahead of time.  Are you scrapbookers?  Spend a night (or weekend) creating pages to fill with wedding photos.
• Have an Old-Fashioned Sleepover! Re-live your junior high school days with your best gals.  Rent movies, eat fattening food, talk about boys - so much fun!

A "bachelorette party" can really be anything that the bride and her friends enjoy doing together!