Chevron spoons make ice cream bars cuter

Tell me that these cuter than cute spoons don't make you want ice cream just a little more?

 

I found these at Arabesque Naples yesterday when I was looking for some baby shower invitations and a few gifts. I can just see a perfectly scrumptious Florida Gulf shrimp on the end of the spear!

The spoons, forks and picks are made from birch and are disposable of course.  They come in an assortment of colors and they can even be customized with messages. It's little details like these that are fun to add to your wedding cocktail hour or late night menus when you have a little wiggle room for a spot of fun!

Kelly Chase Couture in Naples!

Today after meeting with clients at The Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach I stopped by Mercato to check out the newest restaurant, Masa.  The atmosphere is great for a causal fun night out with friends and the menu - I wanted to eat everything.  They also have some great spaces that would be good for a rehearsal dinner or gathering space for a pre-wedding party.

 Anyway, I know- what's this got to do with Kelly Chase Couture?  As I was walking back to my car, I walked by The Kelly Chase Flagship salon.  It just opened a few weeks ago, so I decided to have a quick look.

 I am so glad that I popped in!  Kelly (the designer) and Chase (the president), happened to be in the salon and greeted me at the door.  Both were absolutely wonderful and welcoming.  Kelly was gracious enough to give me a personal tour and show me the newest collection.

  The salon is beautiful with white floors, and voluminus paper flowers on the walls.  The flowers reminded me of the Paper Posey Designs I saw at the Martha Stewart Market Party.  There were dozens of wedding dresses. The gowns are from her current line and she also has dresses that are discontinued and available to purchase right off the rack.

 The price ranges for most of the Kelly Chase line is $2000-$6000, but there are a few that were less or more.  Besides the wedding dresses she also carries mother of the bride dresses, jewelery, veils, boleros, belts & sashes and purses.

 If you're looking for a dress and are in the Naples area, I highly recommend that you stop by!

Bridal Portrait art and tips for your bridal session

A bridal portrait is the perfected image of you in your wedding gown.  Traditionally,  the photo session is scheduled a few weeks prior to your wedding, so that a print can be framed and prepared for the wedding day and/or wedding announcements.  Last week I was introduced to another phenomenal idea for using your bridal portrait.  Enter artist Diane Bronstein.  Diane takes the bridal portrait image of you in your wedding dress and paints a watercolor or pencil "gown painting".

From the frame-able gown painting she can then also create thank you cards. Aren't they stunning?
To have your gown portrait made, her fee is currently $185.  She does offer options for oil paintings, digital scans and reproduction rights.
I wanted to include a few bridal portraits in this post so that you could have an idea of what portraits can possibly look like.  So I reached out to some of our photographers and had them send a few favorites over.  Between the images below, I will also give you a few tips, how-to and why to have a bridal portrait. Imagine these images as a watercolor or sketch!

Above Photo Credit: Impressions Photography.
Tip: One of the best things about having your bridal portrait taken in advance is that it will cut out a big portion on your "photo" time on your wedding day.  Its a good 30-45 minutes that you can free up on your already packed wedding timeline.
P.S. This is our bride Lindsay from this past fall- couldn't you just die over her dress? The train was detachable.

 Above Photo Credit: Ashley Brockinton Photography
Tip: You can have your portrait taken with or without a bouquet.  You can also choose to have your portrait taken in a studio like this one, or outside.
P.S. This is Christy, the winner of the 2011 Grand Wedding!

 Above and Below Photo Credit: Nancy Cohn Photography
Advice: Don't be afraid to be yourself.  Yes, I think you should absolutely get a classic image.  But how about something fun too (below)?

 Above Photo Credit: Audrey Snow Photography
Side note: Notice that in this image she's holding her bouquet.  Personally, I do think it adds to the bridal look.

 Above Photo Credit: Mike Moreland Photography
Side Note: This is Brittany, one of our brides from this past spring.  Be sure to pick up the Occasions Magazine (Winter 2013 Florida or Georgia issues) to see her stunning white wedding wedding feature!

Above Photo Credit: Maria Glassford Photography
Tip: Bring your mom or a friend with you to help you maneuver in and out of your dress.  One person is enough though- your session should not be turned into a party!

 Above Photo Credit: Tonya Malay Photography
Advice: Your bridal portrait day is also a another great opportunity to fine tune your wedding day look.  Be sure to have your hair & makeup done for this!

Monogrammed Chevron Beaded Clutch (Bridesmaids gift?)

Its glamorous and elegant and sophisticated and fun all at the same time.  I think this may be the next big thing!  Earlier this week I had a design meeting for one of our spring weddings at Garden District in Naples. When I pulled into the parking space I noticed something very exciting in the window- a pop up shop!  In case you haven't heard the term, a pop up shop is a temporary retail store.

 

This pop up shop, called Monogram Goods Naples Garden District, has the most wonderful personalized gift, apparel and home collections.  Everything, monogrammed.  But the scene stealer in this shop, the beaded clutches:

I about fell over when I saw all the chevron options.  There must've been 20-30 different bead colors to choose from, so the possibilities are endless.

I think these would make the most amazing maid of honor or bridesmaids gifts.  Something that you know they would cherish forever.

The solids are amazing too of course. You can personalize both the inside top and bottom!

 The white with gold is my favorite for a bride's clutch.  I love this one that has a heart on the inside with her wedding date.

Pricing
I can't believe how awesome it is, considering the personalization:
$158 for a solid clutch with a monogram
$168 for a chevron clutch with a monogram
$20 to add an interior personalization

Okay, so how to get. Use one of the below methods for the best personalization options.  Be sure to let them know that you found them via WeddingTidbits!:
Call the shop and ask for the Monogram goods pop up shop 239-434-6700 or
Email info@monogramgoods.com or
Go to the shop! I vote for this method so you can see all their goodies.  It's located at 137 Tenth Street North, Naples, Florida 34102

Side notes: They take 4 weeks for delivery, so if you're getting married soon - order quickly. Once you receive your clutch, instagram or twitter a photo with hashtag #MGClutch

Wedding Diagrams and Floor Plans- A Must.

Having a diagram or floor plan for your wedding is a must.  Ask your venue coordinator to provide one and make sure that its updated frequently as changes are made so that you can pass it along to all your vendors.

This way everyone has a good visual of where to go on wedding day and there is a little bit less confusion and far less questions to answer when you'd rather be drinking champagne!

A tip for your tasting at your caterers

Mini Vegetarian Falafel Petit Fatoush Garnish

A quick tip: When you are tasting your cocktail hour food, be sure to eat the hors d'oeuvres the same way that your guests would.  This means, do not pick up a fork and knife...because they most likely wouldn't have them. Instead, use just a cocktail napkin under the finger food. Is the item too messy?  Does it take more than a single bite?  If so, consider asking your venue coordinator what can be done to make enjoying the item better or easier.