Behind the scenes at our weddings

Have you checked out our instagram feed?  Now that its online, you can see all our weddings behind the scenes, before and after. All from my perspective and bigger than on your iphone/smartphone.  You'll get a healthy dose of my crazy family and friends too (I love them all so much).  Here is a little peek I posted to instagram from this weekends weddings at Southern Waters in Ft Myers and LaPlaya in Naples, Florida:

 I honestly just want to never again use a banquet table for ceremony welcome again after this.

 Three cakes?  Sure, why not!

Sue at Signature Floral never ceases to amaze me.  The flowers for the ceremony and reception and all the little tables were so lovely.  I feel like she can read my mind sometimes.  Particularly when my mind is thinking of 8 different things wrapped into one.  Not too many people can do that!

No, you do not need to have your ballroom wedding looking stuffy. Kevin at Botanicals on the Gulf made the most wonderful centerpieces for these tables!  I loved that he was able to bring just the right amount of "soft" to the Navy and white striped linens we picked.

These images above and below are the real deal; What actually happens before the wedding ceremony.  Above breakdown:
1. Photographer Sam distracting baby FG#1 
2. Ashley Brockinton shooting bride and FOB as MOG approaches
3. MOH pulling splinter from FG#2 
4. MOB trying to rally FG#2-3-4 and probably wondering where FG#5 is
5. One of the best Nannys I have ever met, trying to bribe FG#3 with a tic tac that Photographer Sam brought.

Many more on the instagram feed so go check it out! Oh, and Clint Wiley from Wiley Entertainment also posted a video from the dance floor at the LaPlaya wedding:

 

Key:
FOB- Father of the bride
MOG- Mother of the groom
MOB- Mother of the bride
MOH- Maid/Matron of Honor
FG- Flower Girl

The sweetest & most beautiful wedding video: Groom sings to his bride

First let me say that this bride & groom have a huge place in my heart. Second let me say that this directors cut is hands down the best I have ever seen for a few reasons.  I'll let you watch and then read below for an explanation.
The groom is Clint Wiley of None Other.  The bride is Lauren Wiley, an amazing wedding vocalist.  The wedding took place in Savannah.  Besides the fact that two of my best friends are the bride and groom, this directors cut is anything but typical.  This video is what I would consider artwork in its truest sense.  Rob of AMC video, you have outdone yourself.  How you managed to intertwine Clints live serendade into these moments is just beyond me.

For best results, hit play and then pause immediately.  Let it buffer and then start when its all done.
So you know that I like to educate as much as possible.  Here is what I have to say about this video that everyone needs to know:
Giving your videographer time to capture moments is imperative.  This can be in the hours before the ceremony, the day before the ceremony, or perhaps best, the day after the wedding.
Pick the right song for your directors cut.  It has to have meaning, and be powerful enough to capture and highlight all the great moments of your wedding.
Be certain that your videographer and photographer have a working plan so that they don't interfere with each other.
When it comes to wedding video, you do have to ask questions if you're going to compare apples to apples.  Ask about HD, ask who does the editing, and ask how much input you get.  Ask how much live "real" wedding you get and how much audio is laid on top of live moments.

**Update: The song Clint is singing is Unintended by Muse

The Pro Series: Clint Wiley

There is nothing like a great band at a wedding. Music is one of those crucial decisions in your wedding planning quite frankly because it has the greatest impact on the celebration portion of your wedding day, and that is most likely half of the time your guests will be spending with you. This band you're about to read about is not your typical wedding band because they play the most current music on top of the standards;

"Oh you want to hear Rihanna & Maroon 5? Sure we can do that. Michael Jackson too? Got it. The Cure? Will do. Your mom wants to here Sweet Caroline? Consider it done."

With that said, let me introduce you to one band that has kept dance floors packed at my clients weddings for years now.

What are your company and profession?
Clint Wiley Entertainment. I am the owner as well as singer, guitarist, emcee and DJ.

What’s your name? Should I know anyone else from your company? Clint Wiley. My six piece band consists Lyli, Dom, Chris, Quinn, and Billy. I have other band members for horn sections, percussion, and dancers if desired.

Where do you do weddings?
I offer my services internationally, but a majority of my shows are in the state of Florida. I own a 15 passenger van and 20 foot trailer, so getting to most locations is easy.


Website Link
www.clintwiley.com

How long have you been in business?
The band was formed ten years ago when we were VERY young:) We did our first wedding in 2001. I have been averaging at least one wedding a week for about three years.

Why weddings?
I really like to be a part of 'big' things. I have pacticed my skills for decades, and the opportuinity to use my gifts to make someone's special day the best it can be is very fulfilling. I think weddings should always be about 'the best' of everything, and I find that challenge exciting.

What your clients most often commend you on?
The top comment heard from clients is that I went far above their expectations. Their guests usually say we are the best wedding band they have ever heard. I don't say that to sound cocky, but it is the most common and rewarding comment I hear.

Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
Do lots of research before picking a band. Make sure the band actually plays the styles you want. Make sure the band has sound/movie clips of what they can do. Some bands will say they can play a style just to land the job. For weddings, I believe the selection should be diverse. Bands that focus on one style or a couple decades can be fun for a while, but it can get tiring over an entire night. Playing music from all decades will involve everyone. 80's songs seems to go over really well with all ages, and adding some modern hits makes the younger crowd happy. Also make sure bands have a good sound system and lighting package. Once you find the band you like, give them a little direction, but let them do what they do best. I've seen some brides empty a dance floor by picking a song list that doesn't work well.

What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
Having the client know what they want at least a month before the wedding date. Last minute changes can be frustrating at times. Also, seating the older guests away from the band is ALWAYS a great idea. Otherwise, the older guests wants the music low, and the other guests cannot enjoy the dance music.

What is the craziest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
The craziest thing I saw happen were a group of grown men acting like chickens(sounds and all) in front of the stage because I would not play the Chicken Dance. The bride was very adamant about not hearing that song, or anything cheesy. Evidently the men were cousins who had harassed her since she was a kid, and her wedding day would, evidently, be no exception.

What is something you hope to do in the near future?
I constantly work to improve my show, and part that consists of new staging and lighting. I now own a full intelligent light show with a professional truss and lasers. I hope to be able to use them at a wedding in the near future.

Previous Pro Series Interviews: Kelly McWilliams (Weddings by Socialites), Sue Bain (Signature Florals).
Next up: Michael Schuhmann (Photography by Michael)
Want to be interviewed? Send an email to WeddingTidbits{at}gmail.com

Here's to Another Great Wedding!Lucky Bride's Wedding at South Seas

All photos below this point 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!
Location: South Seas Island Resort, Captiva, Florida Hello - it's GORGEOUS
Photographer: Susan Stripling OMG, she's AMAZING
Cake: Kakes by Karen To die for.
Band: Clint Wiley with None Other Seriously, there is none other in comparison

Lucky bride. Why lucky? Because an unfortunate plan fell thru (having the wedding in the Keys), lead to her getting beyond lucky with top of the line locations, vendors, and weather ever. With just a few months to re-plan the entire event, we were able to pull together some out of this world amazing things for her wedding weekend.

Now, you know that I have encountered many happy brides who had fun at their weddings. Lucky bride though- she took having fun to an entirely different level. She and her darling Lucky groom danced the night away. It was one of those nights that I live for; nothing but pure fun to be had in a beautiful enviornment. Lucky bride has exquisite style and it showed. She had a constantly packed dance floor thanks to Clint's band (who she got by luck because another client cancelled). Click here to see and hear more of Clint's band:Clint Wiley Video

Lucky bride had a series of family wedding photos printed onto canvas and we displayed them on the mantle:



Guest entry room with signature plate, a photo backdrop and corresponding album, and the gift/envelope box:


We originally tried to set up the backdrop outside, but it was too breezy. So inside it went, and it actually turned out to be better because we had use of it the entire night.

To keep the uniqueness to this wedding, we had custom runners made in 2 different shades. It took us hours of searching at an indian import store to find the perfect fabrics, but it was totally worth it. They looked beautiful.
Above: Head table for 20. Below: Rather than standard round tables, we did rectangle tables for 12. They make for much better conversation, and take up less space so that you can fit more people into a room:
Lucky bride put her faith in me and let me design the escort card table pretty much as a surprise. What do you think?
Clint revving up the party:
The wedding party watching the sunset:
A beautiful ceremony in the round. I am forever a fan of ceremonies in the round because everyone is closer. It absolutely gives the ceremony a more intimate feel.
Although we didn't have a rabbi perform the cermony, we incorporated several jewish customs into the ceremony like the seven blessings and breaking of the glass. We also did one of my favorite ceremonies that includes the participation of the wedding party and parents, the captiva island shell toss.


Custom cake toppers by Nicole Clark. I blogged about these toppers a really long time ago. So glad to have one grace a cake at one our weddings!

The NEW best wedding songs.I'm callin it

Risky right? Callin it? But I'd put $10 down that this song makes Jack Johnsons Better Together step into the number 2 slot. $10 is what's in my wallet at the moment. I spent $20 at lunch. It was a good lunch. Met with some halloween party planning people at Bacchus. Ummmm Ahi Tuna. Oh, back to the song.

Okay, so the entire cd rocks. But this song in particular spoke to the wedding planner in me. It spoke so loud I actually called Clint Wiley (the best not-a-wedding-band-that-does-weddings ever) and told him he needed to get these songs on his playlist like now. Clint informed me that I am behind the times. Seems this Jason guy has been around a while. Still, I think this is going to be big in weddings.

It's Jason Mraz and the song that 1st spoke to me is called I'm Yours . Here's the one thing I see getting in the way of this song being on the top of everyones either recessional song short list or 1st dance; Jason's other song Lucky .

You can buy the cd on Jasons hilarious website or download it from itunes. He seems to be a really funny guy. A rather talented funny guy.

Post #301

I can't believe I've had over 300 posts. That's craziness. In a fury of boredom driving home from Savannah, I read through a bunch of old ones and found yet another wedding I missed! So...here are the pro photos from Smiley brides wedding (a.k.a. Amy & Stephen). Amy is a wedding coordinator herself, so I had a blast planning with her. Click on each picture that you'd like to see enlarged. Each guest received a chocolate menu...serious wow factor.
The Newlyweds table. Dinner with all your best friends. Does it get better than that?
Amy & Stephen had the best of the best for music- Clint Wiley Band. They rock! Clint's band has the best playlist I've come across in a really long time. They actually keep current with what you hear on top 40 radio. That's almost unheard of with wedding bands.
How can you not love the occassional photo just for laughs? Stephen is a hoot!
5 minutes 'til aisle time...
See what I mean? She never stopped smiling!


The Peonies, oh the Peonies. this was a bad year for Peonies. They literally arrived the day before the wedding, and until one day prior, we didn't know if they'd come at all. Talk about holding your breath!
This my friends, was another great wedding!
Ack! I nearly forgot to give credit where credit is due: Phenomenal Photography by Julie Goodacre and Magnificent Makeup (and hair) by Fresh Beauty Studio.

Clint Wiley @Eddie Fishbowls TONIGHT!

For anyone going to Red, White and BOOM (Cape Coral, FL) tonight...
Clint Wileys band is playing at the Grand Opening of Eddie Fishbowls from 10pm to 2am (or whenever the fireworks finish).
Have a great Independence Day!

Smiley bride got married!

And she smiled so much!
I was so happy at this moment...THEY'RE MARRIED!
The guests of table 22 had some fun...
in the photobooth.
The wedding party table was on the dancefloor for dinner...and then they got booted off for the Clint Wiley band - THEY ROCKED!
Pretty Flowers...
Pretty Cake...
and Pretty Happy Peopple!
The late night ice cream and pizza bars were a HUGE hit with guests.
Those aren't paper menus on the tables...solid chocolate with edible ink! How cool is that?
Like many of the guests, she switched to flip flops for the cocktail hour on the sand and for dancing. Click here to get a reminder of Smileys shoe shopping experience.