I'm a tiny bit done with the Lime.

Yeah. I loved it for a long time. And I still do, but I love a little change just as much.

No Passport Required

Truly, I am a wedding book and magazine junkie. Want proof? Stop by my studio. I swear the sales people at Books a million think I'm a bit over excited about this wedding I've been planning for years on end. HA!
Anyhoo- I picked up the current issue of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons last week and was immediately drawn to one of the featured articles: No Passport Required. Can I tell you how excited I was to get to the article and find 2 of the 8 beach resorts chosen as the best "no passport required" are none other than LaPlaya Beach & Golf (Naples) and South Seas Island (Captiva)Resorts? Both of which are stunning resorts that we frequently plan weddings at. As a matter of fact we had Kim's rehearsal dinner at LaPlaya just last weekend, and this weekend we'll be out at South Seas for Lucky bride and Writer Bride. So yes, I agree with Destination Wedding Magazine, they are two of the best.
What's awesome about both these locations being chosen is that it proves that SW Florida is a prime location for destination weddings. While these two stunning venues are amazing, there are many more to choose from. With an international airport and direct flights from many major metropolitan areas, really- its perfect for destination wedding planning. How lucky am I to be here?

Welcome bags+Brides=No room. Oops.

Today was welcome bag day. Since most of our weddings are destination, we have a once a month shopping and assembly day. It's pretty fun until we start pushing 175 bottles of water down the already packed aisles of Sam's Club. As you can see, today was a heavy load.
Then while we were assembling the bags- which take over the place (see photo), many a brides stopped in to look at invitations and browse the library. We've quickly learned that now welcome bag assembly will have to be early in the morning before we flip the "open" signs and that 6 bottles of champagne goes quick. HA!

It was so great to meet some new brides this week. We met brides getting married in Hawaii, Pittsburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bowling Green, Savannah and Boca Grande. We're glad you stopped in!:
Tiffany I.
Barbara L.
Lesley M.
Jennifer P.
Nicole K.
Tiffany M.
and
La Lauren

"It's your boy Kelly, Rabbi Sol!"

Not kidding, this is how Andrea announces that Rabbi Solomen is calling us. How hilarious! I was cracking up. You see, I'd just had a wonderful discussion with Rabbi Sol, and we really hit it off. We talked a bit about the wedding and a bit about our websites, which lead to blogging. Within minutes of ending our conversation, he called back about blogging- very excited. And now I must admit that I am even more excited for next weekends wedding ceremony and to finally get to meet this charming rabbi.
The beach ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach is sure to be a unique one with both Rabbi Solomon and Father Riccardi officiating.
Check back in a couple weeks and I'll update on how this amazing wedding turns out!

Heather Donlan's Gallery Opening

Last night I had the pleasure to attend the grand opening of Heather Donlan's new gallery & studio down in Naples. What an amazing space! If you're in downtown Naples, you'll have to stop by to check it out. The walls are decked out with her photographic art and it is truly breathtaking. I sat down in the client preview room and had a hard time ripping myself away from the beautiful wedding albums on display.While I was there I ran into Lynn Alexander from LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Well, i didn't actually run into her, but I did get my foot stuck between 2 chairs and almost spilled my fizze all over the place. oops. Anyway, Both of us were just in awe of what Heather has brought to the area. Its seldom that you find a wedding photographer who has studio space and its in a location where you can literally walk down the block to the beach for sunset photos!
Heather and I worked together on Jenn & Johns wedding at LaPlaya late last year and she was gracious enough to send me back with a few miniature copies of their wedding album for display here at the studio.