Bridezillas!

I am sure by now, you all know what a BRIDEZILLA is. You have probably watched one of the many wedding shows that focuses in on bridezillas. For the ones that do not know what the definition of a bridezilla is, here is your lesson of the day.

A bridezilla is a word used to describe a bride that is close to impossible to deal with. She is a moody, bossy, anal person who thinks that the world revolves around her. Most of the time these brides are perfectionist. Everything has to be exactly up to her standards, otherwise she will throw a temper tantrum.

"Bridezillas" make it much harder to plan a wedding, let alone enjoy the process. We have had the pleasure to work with a few brides that fall into the category. If you are a bride that may fall into this category follow these five simple steps in order for you, as well as the people that are included in your wedding process, are able to enjoy.

1. Hire a wedding planner:) If you have someone that can help to relieve your anxiety and stress, you will not have the time to be a bridezilla.
2. Always remember, weddings are suppose to be fun!
3. Although this is YOUR special day, it is special to others involved and they want to make it a memoriable experience.
4. Don't sweat the small stuff.
5. Most importantly... take a deep breath, relax & enjoy!

How much should a wedding dress cost?

Isn't this dress beautiful? It was truly gorgeous on this bride.
I bet that you can't guess how much it cost...

If you take the time to look for a bargain, they are out there. You do not necessarily have to spend thousands of dollars to own the fairytale dress you have always envisioned for your wedding day. Patience is truly a virtue when searching for the right dress. Do not buy the first dress you try on, or even the tenth dress if it does not make you comfortable or will break your piggy bank.

Steph (in the picture on the right) took the time to find a wedding dress that she liked but also was not going to make her and her fiance, Lance, go over their budget for their wedding. Steph bought this dress at a very inexpensive price but yet the dress still makes her look like she is a princess in her very own fairytale.

Don't be in a rush, take the time to find the perfect dress for you!

Canadian Weddings

Wow! I am exhausted. I just got back from a family trip in Canada for a week. I was there for my cousins wedding. Of course I analyzed everything from the pew bows to the design of the cake:) Everything went really well and looked beautiful. I did notice a enormous difference between weddings in Canada vs. weddings in the U.S.

Canadian vendors are very inexpensive. My cousin showed me her budget spreadsheet. They spent a little under $10,000 with over 200 guests, that is just unheard of here! All of the wedding vendors are a fraction of the price than the ones we work with here. Most of the time we tell our brides that the facility for your recpetion and the food are 50% of your budget. This was not the case at my cousins, yet the food was still up to par. The only thing that was more expensive was the bar because their beer and liquor in Canada is almost double the amount in the states.

I was really suprised by this difference but in the end I still have to say all of our wedding vendors that we work with here are truly amazing and worth every penny!

Our newest client, Shelly, is planning on having an elegant wedding. Her vision is to include the color gold and her love for nature and God. We have only two weeks to turn her dreams into reality.

This wedding is going to be a beautiful outdoor wedding at a private residence in St. Augustine. The ceremony is going to be held on top of a mountain of lava rocks overlooking a beautiful pool. Cocktail hour around the pool will include a crab bar and champagne flute bucket. The reception will take place out in the woods under a huge white tent. Can we say, ELEGANT!

Big Weekend

So every now and then I get a Saturday off from this crazy wedding world and get a chance to do one of my favorite things--go fishing. Well this Saturday was a picture perfect fishing day...the skies were clear and sunny, there was a little breeze, and the fish were biting. We caught an enormous 41" redfish with a penfish Mac caught using her snazzy little Barbie fishing pole. It took about an hour to reel this giant in. Thank goodness the family was there to help reel it in.
Here a great shot of Andy and Ryan once they got the big fish on board.

Mac was amazed that the fish was almost as big as she was. She was so proud that the little fish she caught ended up catching this HUGE fish!

We all can't wait to go fishing again!

Stacy and Ray Part 2

I found this beautiful photo of Stacy and Ray and just had to post it. They are picture perfect!

Stacy and Ray

Stacy, one of our new brides, is such a sweetheart! We are still waiting to meet her fiance, Ray, but we have promises that we will meet him real soon. But, boy oh boy have we've been having a blast with Stacy. We feel so blessed to help plan such a wonderful couple's wedding day!

The Couple
Stacy and Ray met at Mai Tai's in Daytona Beach. He was visiting from Kentucky and she just was having a nice relaxing night out with a few friends. They ended up talking for hours and the rest is history.

The Wedding
Stacy's wedding theme reflects her simple but elegant style and her warm personality. Check out her burgundy/wine/pewter color scheme below:

We cannot wait to plan her wedding dreams into reality!

Let's Eat Cake

My dear friend, Melissa, is the amazing force behind this fundraising event to help raise at least $50,000 for St. Jude's Hospital. Please take the time to visit http://letseatcakefundraiser.blogspot.com/ and see if you can help contribute to this amazing cause.

Unexpected Suprises!

In my eyes, a wedding planner is MANDATORY. I always have and especially now can not fathom not having someone to oversee such an extreme event. There so many small, yet intricate details to cater to before, during and even sometimes after a wedding. Whenever I tell others the "perks" of hiring a planner its hard for others to grasp the concept because of course in a sense I am selling myself & my company. I found a really neat article that covers all of the questions that many ask when considering hiring wedding coordinator for their special day.

The Truth about Wedding Professionals
Why hire a Professional Wedding Consultant, Wedding Ceremony Director,Wedding Coordinator, or Full-Service Wedding Designer and Planner? (this already sounds confusing.) In the midst of the excitement of “We’re Engaged” comes reality. You want the most perfect day possible but are confused about how much to spend,where to obtain the services of the best vendors possible, or even how tochoose them. Most people are shocked to learn how much preparation is involved in planning even a simple wedding. The average wedding can take more than two-hundred and fifty hours just to plan. Remember, too, that the same components are necessary for a large or small affair. With today’s hectic lifestyle you may find this is more than your schedule will allow. Wedding Coordinators are no longer a luxury, butare essential for a well planned affair. Wedding Coordinators not onlysave you time, but can help you get more value for the money you are spending.

Let’s answer some of the common questions asked about how youget through this adventure.How can one of these professionals help me? It is all about time and money! These people can match you with the mostqualified vendors that meet your personality and budget.

A Consultant can help with the contract negotiations, saving time and money, and most headaches on your special day.I don’t want someone to take over my day.

A Professional Wedding Planner is there to take your vision and bring itto reality. They have the ability to orchestrate all of the many entitiesinto a cohesive whole for the entire event. Make an appointment at their office and see how they surround themselves with ideas and information.Talk to them to see how receptive they are to your ideas.Every Wedding Coordinator I have met, that is experienced, is really old and isn’t open to new ideas.This may be true with some Coordinators, but it should not be. Flexibility and bending the rules is sometimes necessary to achieve the end result you want to individualize your wedding. Using a firm that has more than one Coordinator allows you to interview and find the person that you feel will work best with your personality. You are using this person not only to get things done your way - you are counting on them for their expertise in all areas of protocol. Sometimes they are needed to bridge the generation gap that can occur when parents and the Bride are on opposite ends of thevision. Be sure they have another person that is totally familiar with your plans and could step in to back them up in the event of an emergency.

What is the difference in a Professional Wedding Consultant, Director,Coordinator, and a Full-Service Designer and Planner? The key word here is Professional. In this case, someone who gets paid forservices rendered does not make a Professional. A Professional is someone that has been trained in the business of weddings, along with an internship with a company with extensive experience in all types of weddings, and a history of doing them with consistent professionalism.Anyone can get a book or take a class on any subject and can figure outthe steps. When it comes to the event, knowing what to do, how to do it,and when to do it are miles apart.
A Consultant is a professional adviser - an expert who charges a fee for providing advice on services needed in a particular field. If you are limited on time or money, this might be something to look into.
A Director is the person that instructs where to stand, when to walk, andbasically directs the action at the ceremony. Some churches provide this service to insure the rules of the church, the Minister or Priest, or the processors are met. This person most commonly also conducts the rehearsal.
A Coordinator can work in conjunction with the venue coordinator. A Coordinator is all the above, along with the additional duties of confirming your vendors, organizing vendor activities, coordinating timelines for the wedding party, pinning on flowers, and acting as the personal assistant to the wedding party. This is the “go to” person that should be able to insure the fluid movement of your ceremony. Some brides want that hands-on to continue to the reception to insure their wedding day is truly a wedding of a lifetime. An experienced Coordinator can make the difference in a nice wedding and the wedding that you have dreamed of.
A Full-Service Designer and Planner has the ability to do all the above in addition to taking your ideas and design the day or weekend that will give you and your guests memories that will last a lifetime. This Professional can orchestrate everything from transportation from the airport or trainstation, accommodations, bridal luncheon, golf or fishing outing, cigar or martini bar to a Nanny, and more, to ensure everyone from the smallest guest to your great, great grandma experiences the wedding of a lifetime.When you consider all the details involved in the preparation and execution for your special affair, it can be mind-boggling. Just the thought of having assistance with the planning is like a breath of fresh air.

The Venue I have chosen has a Wedding Coordinator. Why do I need to hire someone else? Please understand that most venue wedding coordinators are employed by the venue and are employees. They get paid by salary, commission, up charging,or a combination of all, by the venue, and are included in your fee. There is a tremendous turn over in these types of employees and the person you are talking to about the way your day is going, may not be there to execute the plan on your day. They are paid by the venue to insure the wedding fits into the venue’s rules, space, and timeline. Most of the venue wedding coordinators do a wonderful job, with what they are paid todo. The problem arises when your expectations excess their job description. They sometimes use vendors that operate on a kickback to them. This might not be the best vendor for the services appropriate foryour style and budget. Most experienced venue wedding coordinators will welcome your own wedding professional, as they will make their job easier.If they hesitate to have you bring that person, it may be because they have knowledge of that Coordinator’s work, or want the wedding to be their way, not yours. Just ask. Most reception venues have a person that isthere to insure the room, food, and bar are ready. Most will set up the basic elements; guest book, place cards, cake knife, and etc. Most of these people leave as soon as you are introduced into the room and you are on your own.

My DJ or Band said they are in charge of the reception - I don’t need anyone else.Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! They are there to keep the party going, to make the introduction, and any announcements. There is no way they can concentrateon playing your music, entertaining your guests, and take care of all the situations that come up and need to be addressed during the reception. The people on the dance floor aren’t the only people that are staying to celebrate with you. Again, a quality Wedding Coordination will work with the DJ or band to make sure your reception is flawless for all.

Can’t I have a friend or relative direct my wedding or reception? Yes. But bear in mind, weddings can be very hectic, and having a trained professional who is equipped to handle any crisis will certainly make your day less stressful. Also, a friend or a family member can have a tendency to be a little controlling, or want to do it their way, not yours. Give your Mother the luxury of having her day, too. You have been dreaming of this since you were little; she has envisioned this day since the day you were born. This should only be an option when finances are extremely tight. Remember, they are there as a guest and they might be better used in other areas.

I thought the priest’s or minister’s job was to direct the wedding? This person can tell you where he wants you to stand, and even during the rehearsal, when to walk, but, they are the first person to enter the ceremony site and cannot conduct any actions after this time. They are not there to answer etiquette questions, or settle a step-parent issue. They aren’t going to be in the dressing room with you to buckle your shoes because no one else wants to break a nail - and much more. They are there to conduct the most beautiful marriage ceremony ever.The bottom line is: It’s like a play with you as the star, and everyone else has a supporting role. The star can tell you what she wants the overall impression to be, but she has to concentrate on her part and should not be expected to be the producer and director. For less stress,hire the person you can count on to see everyone gives a performance of a lifetime.

I just love this article! It covers the true importance of hiring a wedding consultant/designer/director/planner/coordinator. We believe that to be a true professional in this business you have to posses all of these titles.

Andrew & Rebecca

We would like to inform everyone that we have some new editions to our family. We are so excited to welcome Andrew & Rebecca to our celebrate! family!


Andrew and Rebecca are our first Texas residents. They both live in Texas along with their families. They have decided to host a destination wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. Andrew's family has been vacationing in St. Augustine for many years. They love the historical background the small town has to offer. Rebecca has been attending their family vacations for 3 years now & also enjoys the culture and history in St. Augustine.


Andrew & Rebecca are a truly unique couple. Their personalities compliment one another so well. They both have so much passion and excitement about their wedding and spending the rest of their lives together.


It is very important to the couple to hold an event that is not only a wedding for their guests to attend but also a vacation. St. Augustine has a great deal to offer to tourists and Andrew & Rebecca want their guests to have a wonderful experience in the town they love so much. Their wedding weekend will be one that will last in their guests memories for years to come & we are so excited to work along with them!

The Perfect Toast

One of the biggest expressed concerns on the wedding day usually comes from the person or people about to give the wedding toast. Many toast givers feel unprepared--they don't know what they are about to say, feel that it is not good enough, or simply do not have enough to say. As a wedding planner, I sometimes have had to prepare a speech for either a maid of honor or best man before the wedding or on the actual big day.

Here are some great tips for saying your wedding toast:

1. Keep it short, try not to make it longer than 3 minutes.

2. Say a short story about who you know best, the bride or the groom

3. Look at the couple a majority of the time and occasionally look at the audience.

4. Express how excited you are to be part of the couple's big day and their new life together.

5. Finish your toast by asking all the guests to raise their glasses towards the couple

Make sure to practice your speech ahead of time in front of a mirror. Remember to speak slowly and breathe. You are going to do great and the bride and groom will be so touched by you standing up and saying some heartfelt words.

The Honeymoon-Mexico

I am so excited about the last day of our honeymoon week because I absolutely love Mexican food and Mexican culture. In my mind, one of the best vacation spots in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas. I have a good friend of mine who has traveled here a few times and every single time she comes back and says that it is one of the most beautiful spots she has ever traveled.

Cabo San Lucas is an old fishing village that use to attract pirates but now it attracts tourists from all over and even celebrities. This town in Mexico is known as an elite resort destination.

Top Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas:

1. Get a couples massage--Enjoy a relaxing couples massage at Spa at Pueblo Bonita Rose. You do not need to be a guest of the resort to enjoy this amenity. So sip some champagne and enjoy a romantic afternoon of massages together.

2. Visit Latitude 22+ Roadhouse Bar--To kick off a night out as newlyweds you must visit this fun restaurant/bar. They have a great menu, atmosphere, and entertainment. You are sure to have a blast.

3. Go to Lover's Beach--The Land's End Arch is on the farthest tip of Baja and is known as Lover's Beach. The sea and wind have shaped the rocks here and it perfect for a romantic walk on the beach.

The Honeymoon-Jamaica

According to thehoneymoon.com Jamaica "puts the fun in the honeymoon." This tropical paradise has every possible activity to offer from horseback riding to reggae dancing. I have always wanted to visit Jamaica because I like most people am fascinated with their "no worries" lifestyle.

The best place to stay when you visit Jamaica is Montego Bay. And here are some of the top things to do:

1. Appleton Express Tour--The Appleton Plantation is where they make Appleton rums. I have read about it numerous times and think it is amazing how each bottle is tasted and marked qualified before they will ship it off to sell it. On this tour you will get to view not only the distillery but also the caves. It is romantic, adventurous, and educational.

2. The Houseboat Grill--If you are looking to have dinner somewhere unique and different, this is where you need to eat. The Houseboat Grill is a big houseboat floating on the water that offers the perfect newlywed sunset view. The menu is constantly evolving and features an international cuisine.

3. Rainforest Rafting--If you are looking to do something adventurous you need to go rafting through the rainforest on the Caliche River. What a fun way to spend the afternoon!

The Honeymoon-Hawaii

ALOHA!!

Hawaii is the #2 2008 Top Honeymoon Picks on thehoneymoon.com. Hawaii is known for not only its beauty but for romance. If you are looking for a honeymoon that has a million options of what to do this is the place for you--snorkeling, helicopter rides, long walks on beautiful beaches, hiking, pineapple picking, whale watching, and the list goes on and on and on.

The weather is pretty much perfect, usually around 80 degrees. You will want to pack your fun fun beach clothes along with a light-weight sweater for the cooler nights, casual dress clothes to experience Hawaii's night life, and maybe some workout clothes in case you want to go hiking to explore the islands.

Top things to do in Hawaii:

1. Go Waterfall Hunting--The island of Kauai has tons of beautiful waterfalls. So decide to spend a romantic day hiking around Kauai and kissing under every waterfall you come to.

2. Ocean Quest--If you are looking for a fun night out together this is what you should do. It is a fun dinner cruise with a three entree buffet, open bar, and a great band to dance the night away.

3. Volcano Exploring--You absolutely cannot visit Hawaii without visiting the Big Island's Volcano National Park. Kilauea, the park's main feature, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. So be adventurous and go view the magnificent park.

4. Luau--The luau is one of Hawaii's most ancient traditions. This is Hawaii's way of saying "Let's Party." This night is sure to be a night you won't ever forget.

Here's a quick tip...if you are looking for some quiet time don't visit Hawaii between December to February, this is their busiest tourist season.

The Honeymoon-ARUBA

Aruba, in my mind, is one of the most romantic places you can travel and since I have already traveled there I am going to let you in on a few things you have to do while you are there for your honeymoon. Thehoneymoon.com rated Aruba as one of the top places to go for your honeymoon due to the romance and fun that can be found on the island all day and night.

The weather cannot get any better than it is in Aruba. It is in the 70s and 80s in the day and then drops to the 60s and 70s during the evening. So you can wear your cute beach clothes during the day and have no probably wear pants and a light sweater at night.

Some of the things you must do:

1. Eat at Flying Fishbone--This is the most romantic place to eat in Aruba. You can get a table for two actually on the beach, so hang up your purse and shoes and let the sand and sea get in between your toes while you celebrate your new life together. Make sure to make reservations.

2. Kukoo Kunuku--If you are looking for a fun night out as new husband and wife this is the perfect thing for you to do. A old festive school bus will pick you up at your hotel and then you will travel around the island picking up other fun loving travelers from their hotels (most were newlyweds on the one I went on). The night is all about what people in Aruba actually do for fun. You will have a champagne toast at the light house, eat a traditional Aruba dinner, and stop at numerous bars. It is such a blast!!

3. Visit the Natural Pool--This is something I wanted to do so bad, but we ran out of time. The Natural Pool was rated the #2 Thing to Do in Aruba according to tripadvisor.com. You must rent a jeep and find this spot just the two of you.

Have Fun!!

Honeymoon Week

The wedding was perfect-you looked amazing in your dress, your groom was picture perfect, there wasn't a dry eye at the ceremony, the reception was stunning, and you couldn't have been more pleased. Now, its all about the honeymoon.

Many of our couples have their bags packed and ready to leave the day after their wedding. They have been waiting on the pampering and the togetherness and the adventure that the "honeymoon" brings. This week we are going to look at the 2008 Hot Spots for Weddings that thehoneymoon.com suggests.

So hold on tight, make sure to check in your baggage and get ready to fly to a different honeymoon destination each day!