REAL WEDDING ~ Kara and Kevin

Mr and Mrs. Floyd (that's me in the background)

The new Mr. and Mrs. Kara and Kevin Floyd celebrated their wedding day on Halloween, October 31, 2009. We were so happy to be a part of this amazing day full of surprises! Kara and Kevin enjoyed every little detail they created and it was incredible to see everything come together in the end. The couple had a beautiful church ceremony where the groom and his groomsmen entered the church to the sounds of Darth Vader's music and exited to the Beatles, "All You Need is Love". The Spartan Manor was decked out in festive Halloween decor that by the time the guests entered the ballroom it looked like an elegant haunted mansion. As the introductions were underway, each pair of the bridal party came out dancing to their own choregraphed routine. While Kara and Kevin were introduced to the theme music from, "Indiana Jones". Kevin even wore Indy's hat and Kara cracked the infamous whip! It was a great moment! The reception was full of fun and excitement! At cake cutting time, Kevin got to use his Freddy claws to cut the beautiful cake and feed Kara. Kevin's groom's cake was the mask of Jason from Friday the 13th. There were skeletons, vampires and carved pumpkins around the room and everyone had a blast dancing all night long. Another special moment was when Kara and her dad danced; they thru in a little surprise routine that was completely priceless! Being a part of this day for Kara and Kevin was so special. Their friends and family were all present to support them and the Best Man and Maid of Honor presented two heartfelt toasts about Kara and Kevin. To witness the love of these two individuals and see the love from their family and friends is what makes my job so completely satisfying. I am honored to have been a part of your day and wish you both much love forever and always.

You can view more preview photos at Waking Hours Photography blog at: http://wakinghoursphotography.blogspot.com/2009/11/kevin-and-kara.html

The Little White Book
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Us, of course!

Photographer: Waking Hours Photography

Videography: Tampa Wonderworks

Venue and Catering: Spartan Manor

Music: Grant Hemond and Associates

Flowers: Ibritz Flowers

Cake: Publix

Transportation: Olympus Limo

Hair and Makeup: Kylelynn Cosmetics

Happy November!

Happy November! We have been so busy these last couple of weeks, we haven't even had the chance to write about everything! We have been preparing for our next upcoming wedding and we are so excited about it! We have some FABULOUS designs that we can't wait to showcase and an amazing team of vendors! It is going to be AMAZING! Check back again soon!

TRENDS & STYLE ~ Inspirational Vision Boards

We love the richness of these colors (black with deep burgundy with touches of gold) and the overall appearance at this wedding from Seattle, Washington. Love the two hanging light fixtures and the Bride's Bouquet is GORGEOUS! What a FABULOUS wedding!

Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book

Amy ~ Britta (1st girl on the left)

This week for "Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book" we are featuring Not From a Box. Not From a Box, Inc. is the exclusive online destination for unique, stylish invitations. Amy and Britta take the time to hear your likes and dislikes about invitations and what you envision for your day. Then they work from there to create your custom designed wedding invitations, mitzvah invitations, Quinceanera invitations, Sweet 16 party invitations, and invitations for corporate and charity events. We know how important it is to have just the right invitation because this is the first introduction to your wedding or event. Not From a Box's designs get your guests excited to come to your wedding or event just from the uniqueness of the invitation. Because their invitations are not mass-produced, they have the freedom to design for each client based on their specific colors, event style and budget. That means that every one of their clients receives a custom-designed invitation package, one-on-one collaboration with graphic designers and event professionals, and ultimately, stylish one-of-a-kind invitations. Find out more about these two great ladies, who know how to make your day stand out from the rest!

What do you love most about weddings? BRITTA - I love the purpose of a wedding. The bringing of two families together for a celebration of love, hope and the future. AMY - I love the tradition of it. I love that so many people, over the course of thousands of years, have recited and pledged their love and devotion in the same ways, and in the same words as their ancestors and people of their same beliefs and religions. And regardless of what religion, it’s all about pledging love and devotion to each another.

How do you continue to challenge yourself in this industry? BRITTA - This industry is always changing, so I make it my business to know who is doing what and how did they get it. AMY - I approach this industry the same way I approach the management of a small business: never rest on your laurels. We don’t always know where or when the next client will come through the door, so I work hard each and every day so that I can continue to make a living at doing what I truly love to do.

What do you think is the most important thing each couple that works with you needs to know? BRITTA - That we are 100% here to provide amazing customer service, a beautiful product and tangible lasting memories. AMY - That regardless of how much or how little they are spending, my first priority is to give them a beautiful product and a stress-free experience.

The famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? BRITTA - Food AMY - Home
What is your least favorite word? BRITTA - No AMY - Hate
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? BRITTA - Feeling 100% loved AMY -Walking on the beach with my family, collecting seashells and hearing my children laugh (a little cliché, but completely true)
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? BRITTA - Feeling abandoned and misunderstood AMY - Negativity and complaining
What sound or noise do you love? BRITTA - Laughter AMY - The Peruvian musicians that play in the Subway in NYC; it’s the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.
What sound or noise do you hate? BRITTA - Screaming AMY - Grinding Teeth
What is your favorite curse word? BRITTA - Shit AMY - Shit. It’s just so versatile!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? BRITTA - Acting AMY -Journalism. I can be pretty nosey.
What profession would you not like to do? BRITTA - Wedding planner AMY - Teacher. One of the hardest jobs in the world.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? BRITTA - Welcome home, your friends and family are waiting in the dining room for you. AMY - “Thank you for doing my work, come in and stay as long as you like.”

You can visit Amy and Britta at www.notfromabox.com to view their galleries and see more of their gorgeous custom designed work!

DETAILS MATTER ~ The Dos and Don'ts of Toasting

The Dos and Don’ts of Toasting

Depending on where you are in the planning process, it might seem early to think about who will be toasting you at the reception. But it’s best to give toast-makers ample time to write a speech. If you have a feeling there will be a few guests wanting to get on the mic, ask the best man or the maid of honor to find out who wants to speak. And if you prefer that some of those people not give toasts, have your point person explain that you and the groom are limiting the toasts to make time for dancing.

~Compliments of Real Simple Weddings

SEMI Planner Pick ~ Godiva Chocolate Cake Wedding

SEMI Planner Pick ~ Godiva Milk Chocolate Wedding Cake filled with Dark Chocolate Ganache. This delicious wedding cake chocolate favor was inspired by renowned New York cake artist, Sylvia Weinstock! Godiva's Wedding Cake Chocolate Favors are sure to provide a fairytale ending for every guest. Their Couture Cakes are the best in wedding favors for the discerning eye and palate. Your guests will thank you for it!

SEMI Planner Pick ~ Versailles Chair

If you are looking for something new and different to add to your wedding or event, check out the Versailles Chair!
We just love the look of the Versailles Chair and that is why we made this our SEMI Planner Pick! It adds just the right element of glitz and glamour to your event!