Real Wedding Video Highlight

We are so thrilled to be able to share with you the video highlight from our wedding with Kim and Joe! What an amazing couple and family, we just loved working with them!

Our friends at Voila Cinematic captured their day just perfectly! Watch and you will be amazed at the story that video tells!

Find out more about Voila Cinematic at www.voilacinematic.com!

Visit the link below to view Kim and Joe's wedding.

http://vimeo.com/6822784

Rob and Jen's Engagement Party

Engagement Parties are a great way to introduce two families that are going to be joined on the day, their children say "I Do". Recently, we were hired to help the parents of the groom plan an intimate engagement party for their son and soon to be daughter in law. Some of our top priorities were good food and good music. Luckily, our friends from the Alan C. Thomas Group, a Jazz Trio were available and happy to play their music for this party. Food being a high priority, we recruited Circles Bistro who is well known for their fabulous food and impeccable service! Plus, we added a few details of our own to make the event more special. We kept the decor clean and simple with black linens and white satin sashes. We used white hydrangeas as centerpieces and lots of candles. Using some photos of Rob and Jen, we designed a canvas with their photos and added meaningful words like: together, loving, happiness, adored and some others to enhance the reason for the day. With their initials being R and J, we took the first letter of each of their names and painted them white. Then we tied them together with a ribbon that read, "happily ever after". It was a perfect addition to the gift table! As the guests and family members arrived, they were handed a question either about Rob, Jen or them as a couple. They had to find the answer to their question before the end of the night. This was a great way to get the two families talking and learn more about this amazing couple! It was a lot of fun and later on in the evening, everyone enjoyed hearing the stories about these two individuals that will soon become man and wife. Engagement parties are a great introduction to the couple who is about to commit to each other for the rest of their lives and gives the guests an opportunity to learn more about them as a couple! Congratulations Rob and Jen! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of one of your special days!

Thank you to all of our amazing vendors who helped make this event over the top!

The Little White Book

Planner/Coordinator: Stonehouse Events & More, Inc.

Entertainment: Alan C. Thomas Group (www.alanthomasjazz.com)

Catering: Circles Bistro (www.circlesbistro.com)

Flowers: Events in Bloom (www.events-in-bloom.com)

Linens: Connie Duglin (www.connieduglinlinen.com)

Rentals: Coast to Coast Rentals (www.fastpartyrentals.com)

Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book

This week Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book, we are featuring Josh Walther with Inspire Entertainment. Inspire Entertainment provides a fresh approach to event production with their experienced DJ's great live musicians and creative lighting packages. Josh has been in the entertainment industry for more than 10 years and is an amazing DJ! He listens to your ideas and helps you layout the perfect music for your wedding and reception. Josh is meticulous in his set up and makes sure that everything looks clean and neat, he even takes the time to hide all of those unsightly cords! We just love him because he is so easy to work with and does an outstanding job keeping your guests happy on the dance floor all night long!

What do you love most about weddings? I love the creative process of working with the planner and vendors to create the perfect atmosphere.

How do you continue to challenge yourself in this industry? I set goals. I strive to be the best at everything I do.

What do you think is the most important thing each couple that works with you needs to know? That although I have done hundreds of weddings, I really want it to be exactly how THEY imagined. I don't have a specific formula that I follow. I will listen to their ideas and follow through with them. I will give my opinion if I think something will not work, but it is ultimately up to them.

The famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? YES
What is your least favorite word? NO
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Music
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Meanness and cruelty
What sound or noise do you love? the guitar or piano
What sound or noise do you hate? the sound of anything hot being poured.
What is your favorite curse word? bloody hell
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? probably a cake decorator/baker. That seems fun and I really like cake.
What profession would you not like to do? Telemarketer although I tried it in high school.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? I would like to hear him laugh at all the funny things that I have done or said!

For more information on Josh Walther and Inspire Entertainment, you can visit his website at www.inspiredj.com!

Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book

This week's featured vendor for "Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book" is photographer Jerry McGaghey with Jerry McGaghey Photography. Jerry is an amazing photographer! He is on top of his game and everywhere he needs to be at the wedding making sure he captures every moment you want! My brides love him because Jerry treats them like a RockStar and brings out their inner RockStar in front of the camera. His reputation of giving you the coolest damn wedding photos on the planet makes him one of the most in demand photographers in the country. RockStar Sexy is you...the bride and groom! Read below to learn more about Jerry McGaghey!

What do you love most about weddings?
The idea that this is the most important day in this couple's lives and they trust me to photograph it. Also, what other profession allows you to go out and party every Saturday.

How do you continue to challenge yourself in this industry?
I am a magazine addict. I buy at least two or three magazines a week (plus I have subscriptions to about five others) because I love looking at the different photographic styles and ad designs within to stay fresh and original. I like to organize get-togethers with other photographers to share knowledge and techniques. I also attend seminars of all sorts; photographic, business, artistic, you name it. I believe you must master your craft!

What do you think is the most important thing each couple that works with you needs to know?
That I am a perfectionist and I am very hard on myself to get incredible results for all of my couples. My goal is to make the couple cry when they see my work. I love when a client doesn't even need to meet me... they see the work and know that they MUST have me photograph their wedding too.

The famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? Imagine
What is your least favorite word? Immigration
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Clients that trust me to do my thing and feel that photographs are the most important thing to them.
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? People that think that they can do your job... it's easy. And clients that treat me like a vendor.
What sound or noise do you love? Laughter
What sound or noise do you hate? An animal in pain or distress.
What is your favorite curse word? Motherf**ker
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Club DJ
What profession would you not like to do? Telemarketer
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Damn, I laughed soooo hard had that one thing you said!!

To view more of Jerry's work visit his website at http://www.weddingstampa.com/!

LOCAL HAPPENINGS ~ It's a Weekend for Bridal Shows

If you are a bride and looking for a Bridal Show to attend be sure to stop by these two grand events!

Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club is hosting a Bridal Show this Sunday, September 20, 2009. You can follow the link below to find out more information about their Bridal show and registration information. http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?S=NAV&DID=16748&GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=TPGCC&SUBGRP=31

Plus, the Florida Signature Bridal Affair hosted by Perfect Wedding Guide is the perfect place to plan your wedding! Join them on September 20, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Tampa USF/ Near Busch Gardens to meet the top wedding professionals in Greater Tampa Bay. Doors are open between 12PM- 4PM, but arrive early and have a sneak preview of our Show Sponsors. Visit the link below to get more information and find out how to register!

http://tampabride.com/

Have fun!

Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book

This week featured on "Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book" is Julissa Mercado from Beauty Brought Out. Julissa is a hair and makeup artist who is absolutely top notch! Not only does she do an incredible job for her brides or models but she is extremely fast and efficient (which is another reason we love her). Julissa is very well organized and keeps the brides on schedule. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician, who graduated from the Pivot Point International in Chicago, Illinois. Julissa is experienced with all skin and hair types. Beauty Brought Out's mission statement is "Your Beauty Within, Will Be Brought Out" and we know for sure that she delivers. Read what Julissa had to say when we asked her our famous questions.

What do you love most about weddings? Knowing the bride feels and looks FABULOUS!
How do you continue to challenge yourself in this industry? Trying to get my work into more wedding magazines
What do you think is the most important thing each couple that works with you needs to know? I am reliable and I listen to the bride’s request.

The famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? FAITH
What is your least favorite word? HATE
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: Colors and style; Spiritually: Having Faith; Emotionally; Positivity
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: uuuummmmmm…. Pretty creative, so not sure; Spiritually: uuummmm…. Nothing here either; Emotionally; Negativity What sound or noise do you love? Smooth Jazz
What sound or noise do you hate? Drunk People
What is your favorite curse word? Uuuummmm…. Is this appropriate? I don’t think this F*@# S;*#$& is… lol j/k
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Dermatology… God Willing within the next 3years…But I will always Free Lance… I LOVE my job!!!
What profession would you not like to do? Wedding Planning … hahaha
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “You really are a Great Hair and Make-up Artist, you have touched many lives with the talent that I gave you”…. Not that I’ve thought about it or anything… lol

Thanks Julissa! You can find more information about Beauty Brought Out at www.beautybroughtout.com! We just love her and know you will too!

DETAILS MATTER ~ Monochromatic Flowers

The monochromatic color scheme is the most modern approach used today in flowers. This style uses the shades and tints of a singular color, whether it be a variety of flowers or a simple bouquet of the same flower.

The best way to use the monochromatic color scheme is to have the contrast with your other decor, for example if your table cloth is white (a standard color option) then by using a contrasting floral color; you would create a tremendous impact in the space with these bursts of color layed out around the room. You can be really creative with the design too! Of course, all flowers are beautiful but when you have this singular color in different shades and tints, it can be a really beautiful and powerful statement!

TRENDS & STYLE ~Inspirational Vision Boards~

We just love this vision for board for it's simplicity and elegance! You never know where you are going to find inspiration for your wedding and this Tuscan Tale offers a relaxing and casual atmosphere for you and your guests. You can just imagine yourself here at this wedding soaking in the sun and the fresh fruit and flowers scent. Your mouth just waters at the sight of the chocolate cake! Just by looking at these pictures you can just envision yourself there!

We would love to hear what you think about this Inspirational Vision Board, so please share your thoughts below by making a comment!

Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book

Cakes by Nomeda is our featured vendor this week of our "Inside the Wedding Planner's White Book". A native to Lithuania, a small European country on the Baltic Sea, Nomeda brought her mastery of the patisserie craft to the Tampa Bay area. Nomeda Baronas has been sculpting cakes for over twenty years that are unique not only in taste but in their appearance as well. She is a true artist who encourages her clients thoughts and ideas in selecting the flavors and design; making each cake an individual work of art designed specifically for the bride and groom. Besides translating her visions onto canvas with a paint brush, Nomeda has a talent with musical instruments and a gift for singing as well. We just love working with her! She is not only a talented cake designer but very dependable as well. I have had a groom comment right after the cutting of the cake to his guests, "that is good cake!" Nomeda truly creates FABULOUS cakes! Continue reading below to learn more about this incredibly talented lady, Nomeda!

What do you love most about weddings? It is always a happy occasion that brings two families and their traditions together.
How do you continue to challenge yourself in this industry? I don't remember the last time I said "no, I can't do this". When we get requests for unusual flavors and designs, I find the challenge inspiring. Finding new ways to create the perfect cake that is someone's vision, is very exciting.
What do you think is the most important thing each couple that works with you needs to know? We strive to make cakes that not only look fabulous, but taste fabulous as well. Whenever I attend one of our weddings, I always find it satisfying to see almost every plate empty after our cake has been served.

The famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? Friends
What is your least favorite word? Boring
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Peaceful, harmonious surroundings
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Controlling people
What sound or noise do you love? Birds
What sound or noise do you hate? Yelling
What is your favorite curse word? We don't have them in Lithuania!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Singer
What profession would you not like to do? Computer engineering
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Got Cake?

Cakes By Nomeda is located in the Tampa Bay area. For more information and to set up private consultation, please contact Chef Nomeda herself at 727-424-3104 or at info@cakesbynomeda.com. You can view more of Nomeda's beautiful cakes at www.cakesbynomeda.com. Enjoy!

TRENDS and STYLE ~ Inspirational Vision Boards

They say to create a vision board for what you want out of life and we say you can use them for your wedding too. We love the idea of inspirational vision boards; which are one of the latest and greatest in the bridal arena! You will see them popping up everywhere! Well, we came across this one and wanted to share it with you.

This was created by a bride whose theme was Vintage Glamour… that's right the 30-50s. Anything from black and white movies to the Oscar frenzy our wedding will be something to remember. We just LOVE it!