Spotlight on Ashley Brockinton PhotographyBig Color Photography with edge

Today: The ceremony
Tomorrow: check back for guys & gals






Remember this summer I was working on this years showcase? Yeah, I really got behind on it because of our early fall weddings. Still, this was one of the finished pieces that came in and what better time to post it than now?
Photographed by Ashley Brockinton of course! The bride is Ashley Perkins and her planner was Mary Hines.


All photos from here down were taken by me, so yeah, they aren't so good because I am not a photographer who knows everything about lighting, angles, speed and all that stuff I find unfathomable to remember all at one time. But you get the point. To see better photos- always check out the photographers websites & blogs!

Yesterday I had a visit from Sam Brockinton from Ashley Brockinton Photography. He stopped by to drop off images from our most recent wedding together (Writer brides wedding at South Seas Resort) along with a cookie bouquet that was nearly too cute to eat. But we ate it anyway, and we ate the cookies on top of these super cute napkins Ashley made as well!
Sam had the cutest little helpers with him, Baby Olivia and her big sister Isabella. My little Emily (the one with the crazy hair that 100% matches her personality) was ecstatic to have a few visitors to the studio that were more interested in drawing on the floor than looking at wedding books and watching wedding videos.

I'm speaking up!Sept. 17 at the Catalina Hotel, South Beach

All the best of the best of Florida's luxury wedding professionals in one room and me with a microphone. Excited? Yes. Nervous? That too. Next month I'll be speaking at the Brides in the Limelight event at the Catalina Hotel in South Beach.

Oh yes, the hot topic. All about the world of blogging. Everything from what a blog is to why you have to have one. Got blogging questions? Send me a gmail and I'll try to answer it at the event. Just don't ask me anything super technical. I swear I'll pretend like I never got the question.

Are you coming? For sure comment below so I can be on the lookout for you there! If you haven't made plans to come yet, do so soon. From what I hear its close to capacity. I hope to see plenty of familiar faces and meet even more new ones.

I flipped out for these!

I found these handpainted sandals at the Pacific Weddings website. These handpainted sandals are $19, and look like they're worth every one of those nineteen hundred pennies. I know its getting cooler where most of you are reading from, but I'm hoping that you're considering a destination wedding somewhere warm. And if that is the case, you'll want something unique for your feet!

Oh la la I love the Pink Shell

There isn't anything French about it, but I just love the new space at Pink Shell on Ft. Myers Beach. Dony & Sarah were kind enough to invite me out for a tour of the new facilities at the resort. Let me just say this- somebody kicked it up a notch. It is so cool! Very contemporary, hip, and modern, but still a kick-back in Florida feel. The colors are obviously tied in with the amazing view of the Gulf from the room and of course there's a terrace right off the Captiva room to chill out on when you need to take a break from the dance floor. Anyway, since I was out last August they have added oodles. Besides this new non-ballroom ballroom, there is a marina with docks, and I think 45 new rooms. Okay, the rooms. WOW. Why wow? Well, each room faces the Gulf, has a screened in porch on the gulf, oh and did I mention that a bunch of the units have hot tubs on the 2nd porch that faces the bay? Hello! Sign me up! Oh, one thing I thought was particularly cool was that there are 7 rooms per floor. And if your wedding guests take over all 7 rooms, you can actually have a welcome reception right there on your floor. The neatest location ever if you ask me. Talk about not having to worry about getting back to your room, the party is right outside your door! Oh, and if you eat at Jo Jo's by the main pool (I think its one of 4 pools), try the mediterranean salad (Thanks for lunch girls!). It is so good. I had to get back to the office, so I didn't get to go back to the spa (gosh darnit!) to meet the new spa director before I left. They have the best spa there, Aquagene. I for sure need to find some time to get back in there!

My friend needs a wedding planner

Yes, its now almost 1am and I'm still working. I just opened up this email from the most hilarious client ever and she woke up the Jerry Seinfeld in me.

Funny Bride:

Hey there! A friend of mine (guy) is getting married in City name removed to protect the dis-organized on 6/15 and they are really behind in their planning. I told him he needs a wedding planner and started asking all these questions. He wanted your info but then I told him you were in Florida :) Do you by chance know of any City Name Removed wedding planners that could help a disorganized couple?

Me:

No, I don't, because wedding planners don't deal with dis-organized couples.

Oh my gosh, I should put that on my questionnaire!:
1) Name_________________
2) Wedding Date______________
3) Are you dis-organized? _____ (if yes, stop here)
4) Expected number of guests_____


I put the word out with my wedding planner network to see who's in the area. I think I actually know one, and if she's booked, she'll give me the name of the next best thing :)

Ok, so maybe I'm not as funny as Jerry Seinfeld. But I am giggling something fierce.

No blood, No wait, Anyone can officiate!

Yep, I wrote that little doozy myself.

5 reasons why you should consider South West Florida for your destination wedding:

1. No blood tests are required. In many states and destinations you are required to have a blood test prior to getting a marriage license. Not if you come to Florida!

2. No waiting period. Several states and countries require that you either wait several days before your license is valid or that you be within its boundaries for a certain length of time prior to the ceremony. The exception- if you are a Florida resident, you have to wait 3 days.

3. Anyone can officiate. Anyone can go online, get ordained, and officiate your wedding! How cool is that? Your favorite Uncle Sam can marry you! I married some of our best friends. I balled through the whole thing. It was hilarious.

4. No passport required. Did you know you need a passport even for the Bahamas now? Save your guests the hassle.

5. None of your friends got married here. Chances are, you'll be the 1st of your gang to tie the knot here. Meaning, anyone who does it after- just followed your lead. You have such great taste.

6. It's less expensive and you'll have more time. Yes, its less expensive to travel and stay in Florida than it is to travel and stay in Mexico, the Bahamas, or Europe. I say this knowing that the majority of my readers are on the Eastern half of the US.

7. It's gorgeous here. No seriously, its gorgeous.

8. I'm here and perhaps I could help plan your wedding. "Call me!" You know, like Debbie on the Sprint commercials? Remember Debbie? Whatever happened to Debbie? hmmmmm

Photo credit (ceremony): Nick Adams
I know, I have more than 5 on the list. I couldn't stop. I have more if you need more. Hee Hee.

Lovely Boca Grande

Yesterday I met a bride and her mom on Boca Grande. It's another one of the gorgeous islands here on the Gulf of Mexico. Whats cool about Boca is that it's nothing but blue water, beaches, and cute little shops and restaurants. Everyone rides around in golf carts or walks. You can boat, fish, play golf, shop, sun, and eat ice cream all day everyday. It's really just a totally relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for a destination wedding.

A camel, a giraffe, Cinderella, and a pig.

I had the most incredible weekend! Friday I went for a site tour at the most unbelievable, one of a kind, out of this world venue I have ever seen. I am just dying to have an event there. Very pricey I'm certain, but guaranteed to be worth every penny. Now considering I see many a venue, for me to say that my jaw dropped at every turn- that means this place is something else. And it wasn't just the venue- the staff is incredible. I met one of the owners as he was taking his camel for his morning ride. Then I fed carrots to the resident giraffe (I think his name is Shelton) as I talked logistics with the Director of Sales. Even the executive chef stopped by to introduce himself. I have never been so impressed.
Saturday I had a Cinderella wedding. Oh the bride looked just beautiful. It was very much a fairytale wedding, right down to the horse and carriage and handsome prince of a groom. I had such a wonderful time watching them together. They're very much one of those couples who are just so in love. I cried no less than 5 times.
Sunday we co-hosted a pig roast-birthday party at our home. Donna, I know you are freaking out about this, I told you not to read my blog today! It was freezing by Florida standards, but a great time was had by all. I even learned how to play "Cornhole". I think its an Ohio born outdoor game. Something between horseshoes and plinko. If that makes any sense.

Happy New Year!

Woohoo! It's 2007! I can hardly believe another year has gone by. Last year was great though. There were so many awesome weddings and I had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest people. Thanks to everyone who let me be a part of their celebrations and thanks to everyone who helped make those celebrations ROCK! It's just amazing how many cool people I get to work with.

The year ended with quite the bash. Erika & Gareth tied the knot on the beach in Naples on Sunday. Very cool couple- check out their blog when you have a minute (link coming a few minutes after this one).

Heading to the book store to pick up the January wedding magazines? Be sure to grab the new issues of The Knot Florida and Bridal Guide. I contributed my 2 cents to a couple of articles (Pick of the day in the knot and Confident Bride in Bridal Guide).

I LOVE Florida!

It's 81 degrees right now and the sun is shining and the Gulf breeze is blowing. It is absolutely AMAZING weather here today. I met with Susan & Jim at the florist this morning for the consultation. They're getting married on Sanibel in May. They had just driven down from Cincinatti. Can you imagine going from Ohio to this (see picture)? Needless to say, it is a picture perfect day on the island. There were dozens and dozens of people lining Periwinkle on their bikes. There were people taking in the rays at the pool, people having lunch on the terraces and sidewalk cafes...just gorgeous.
Later this afternoon I'm driving down to Naples for a rehearsal. Erika & Gareth are tying the knot on the beach Sunday evening and then having a huge bash at her mom's house, traditional wedding reception followed by a New Years party. We did have to put a tent up (better safe than sorry), but it looks amazing. Lots of cool lighting and decor. The coolest thing, Gareth, who is a carpenter, built a dancefloor/platform over the entire pool. It is outrageous. I'll be sure to post before and after pictures.
Ok, I want out of the office- enjoy the day gang!

What a great night!

Another beautiful Florida wedding night...

Rockin Organists, Mylin's Cd, & the whole tour.

Well, somehow, no thanks to a certain airline way at the top of the alphabet, I made it home. L.A. was fun, but no way could I go back to living there. I love the laid back style of Florida. Poofy hair weather and all. I swear it was 500% humid today.

I got a call from a client today. Her 1st words when I answered were, "That organist ROCKS!" I swear I nearly fell off my chair laughing.
Another client sent me an email that she and groom met with the cake baker, and picked out a mad hatter cake! I'm really excited to see it. The baker is so talented and I'm sure it will be an awesome display. I'll be sure to post a photo after the wedding. Less than a month away! Hatter? Is that right? Or is it hadder? Who cares. You know what I mean.

Before I forget, I met with an old friend of mine while visiting California. Actually she was my 1st roomate. Oh my gosh we had so much fun. We lived in Greenich Village in the littlest dorm-like room ever. We made Ramen Noodles in the sink. We went clubbing at Limelight 3 to 4 nights a week. And we frequently snuck into the tv room to catch Adam Sandler on SNL. Those were the days....Anyhoo, she just released a new cd, check it out if you are looking for something new. Plus she's my friend and I want her cd to go quadruple platinum. I think that would be pretty cool for her. You can get to her site http://www.mylinmusic.com by clicking the title above.

Last week I had the opportunity to get a private tour of Pink Shell Resort on Ft Myers beach. I was shocked. Here's why. I had been to this resort several times. In fact, I had been on 2 site tours prior to this one. Huge difference this time because the catering director showed me everything, a complete tour of the property. Apparently I got the "short" version previously. After eating at one of their restaurants, spending an afternoon at their spa, seeing 4 of the different room types, all the ceremony and reception sites, and then experiencing a mock wedding and reception, I have a completely different take on the place. Here's what I've learned- and want to share with all brides looking for their wedding locations: Schedule your site visit appointments for a time when the catering/sales director has the most time to spend with you. Don't take a "I can fit you in between" appointment. Tell her/him you want a complete tour of everything. AND if at all possible, eat at the venue & peek (don't crash) in on a wedding. You might be pleasantly surprised, as I was.

Sorry its been so long everyone. I've moved! My previous blog host wasn't as user friendly as I had hoped. So let's try this again!
The spring/summer wedding season is over down here in Florida. It's pretty darn hot in these parts and the rain can be ferocious at times.
My last event this season was a vow renewal and anniversary weekend. I miss my clients terribly. I truly had such a wonderful time planning with them. And then when it came time for their events- I fell in love with their family and friends too. They truly have the best people in their lives. I felt so honored to be a part of their 40th anniversary. The weekend was full of events which was called "Family, Friends, and Forty Years". My clients and their guests played golf, shopped, fished, and toured all over Naples. And that was just the 1st half day! After a welcome reception that evening, my clients and their guests jumped aboard their chartered trolleys for a narrated tour (narrated by my clients!) of some of the must see sights of Naples and ended their day with a beautiful sunset cruise. The next day they had an open house, and then everyone paraded down the block to the beach for their vow renewal. It was such a sight. A few hours after the ceremony it was time for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Boy did they dance! The band (The Landsharks, absolutely amazing- one of the best ever!), had everyone out of their seats nearly the entire evening. Yep, we had to extend an hour because the party was way too hot to shut down! The next morning there was a farewell brunch at their home.
Photos: My favorite EVER vow renewal clients! The flowers up there- believe it or not we used them for 3 different events- and that's the last one! True sign of a fantastic florist! I used them at the welcome reception on Friday, the cocktail hour before the dinner Saturday, and finally at the farewell brunch on Sunday. And the last photo is the tail end of the parade to the beach (1 block walk from their new home).
I had a really difficult time saying goodbye to these clients. I always do, but these clients were different. It was an experience not like one I've had before. I balled all the way home. I've cried a few times since then too. Thanks Gary & Janet... it was such a pleasure.

To all the moms out there, I hope you've had a wonderful Mothers Day. I spent the day with my family and friends...another beautiful Florida spring day.
Today the mother and father of the bride for the next wedding arrived into town. Not too much hoopla surrounding their arrival. However, this past Monday, when the bride saw her groom for the 1st time in 5 months, and he finally had the opportunity to formally propose, it was a moment like nothing I have ever experienced. The groom has been serving our country in Baghdad all year. The below link (cut and paste!) will remind you of why we have weddings, why we marry, why we celebrate love.
Special thanks to Photographer Gigi Hamlett for providing the incredible photos (http://www.g2wed.com/)

Link: www.esocialites.com/LenttzPiazza.html
Todays Picture: That's me!