Winners Announced!

Well, I was going to wait until tomorrow to give you the details of the Jacksonville Magazine's huge wedding giveaway.... BUT I decided to go ahead and let you know tonight.

We had a wonderful evening at the beautiful Serenata Beach Club.

There were four finalist couples.

1) Kathleen Holland and Brian Triggs
2) Monica Mia Hiday and Ryan Ketterman
3) Lauren Brooks and Ryan Imhulse
4) Nita Sinden and Ian Hurley

The four finalists competed in the NearlyWed Game. They answered some tough questions about each other. The deciding question was when the women were asked "How will your fiance' fill in the following sentence?: A good wife is one who _____________" Nita and Ian's answer was "loves" How sweet!

I'll give you more details tomorrow later, but for now........

Our very lucky winners are Nita Sinden & Ian Hurley. I'll be tending to the details leading up to the wedding, so I'll keep you posted on the progress.


until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Slacker!

Okay, Okay, I'm sooooo very sorry for being such a slacker! Thanks to Lisa for letting me know! She asked me when I was going to start keeping up with my blog again....
How embarrasing!

Well, I've attached an article which kinda explains what I've been doing....



I know, it's no excuse. Thank you for calling me on it. To those of you who enjoy receiving my newsletter, I've also kinda slacked on that one too, haven't I? I promise that next week things will return to normal....

Well, maybe. Of course, the Christmas season kinda prevents normal, doesn't it?

I'll write you a quick story later on this week to explain something that happened to me that reminds me of the spirit of this time of year.

until then.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

If you're reading this & you haven't voted, SHAME ON YOU! Get out & VOTE! Now! Please? :-)

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Bride's Across America

So...This is a really AMAZING thing. Words can not describe the way a giveaway like this makes you feel.

Bride's Across America is an event where bridal salons across our lovely USA are donating and giving away designer gowns to qualified Military Brides. Yes! Giving them away.


Each store is preparing their particular giveaways, so some will give away 5, some 10, some more than that. Each store is deciding what their contribution will be on an individual basis.

In order to qualify: " You must be engaged, be on active duty in the military, or have a fiance on active duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. All military brides must show proper ID, copy of deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof."

Please visit the Brides Across America Website

Important Note, visit each store or call them, each shop is planning their own date of their event. The store in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Patricia South's The Bride's Choice is having their giveaway on Veterans Day, November 11th, so quick, call 954-791-6007 & make your appointment!!!

FIRST COME FIRST SERVED! CALL & MAKE YOUR APPT.

MY PERSONAL HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR SOLDIERS & THEIR BRIDES TO BE FOR THEIR SACRIFICES SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO LIVE IN FREEDOM! THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US!

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING AND HAPPY GOWN GIVEAWAY!

ParisDailyPhoto: Quiet Please! links

I just HAD to link to this post....
In August, 2006, my husband & I went on our first anniversary trip. We spent time in Dublin, Paris & Stratford on Avon. We had the absolute BEST time.... {{sigh}} I only recalled this experience now, because I was looking through some of our old photos, and there are some really fantastic ones in Paris.
Of course, who can't take a fantastic photo in Paris?

Anyway...when I saw Eric's blog entry, it reminded me of our trip. It reminded me of that LOVELY restaurant we ate dinner in, which was FILLED with cigarette smoke! Filled. To The Brim. Anyway, that's why a lot of people ate outside. Well, that reason & because it's just so beautiful there, who wants to be inside?

I'll post some photos from my trip if you are interested, otherwise, enjoy this post of Eric's:

ParisDailyPhoto: Quiet Please!#links


until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Rachael Ray Saves THE Day!!

How wonderful of her! Have you seen this article?

Rachael Ray (whom I absolutely! love) is providing a wedding ceremony and reception for more than 50 couples whose weddings were canceled due to Hurricane Ike. Isn't she just grand?

She's using Minute Maid Park, the home of the Houston Astros. The couples are people who lost not only their money (some as much as $20,000), but also their dream/vision of their perfect wedding! Imagine, losing everything you envisioned because of a hurricane...poo! There were two venues who closed their doors citing irreparable financial strain from the damage caused by Ike. I can kinda understand, what do you do? Your building is ruined...That would be tough.

So, how nice of Rachael to step in and save the day!

Here's the article: Rachael Ray saves wedding day for couples!

I'll try to find a more permanent link for the story since this article probably won't be up forever...but, I just had to put it up, since I think she's such a wonderful lady.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Cost Effective Wedding Invitations

Have you seen the wedding invitations at V.P. Invitations?

They have some fantastic choices and some unbelievable prices!
Less than $1 per invitation....So, for the frugal bride, these are excellent! Take a look at this one:



Isn't it gorgeous? And, the invitations come with rsvp cards and PRINTED envelopes!! Amazing.

Just thought I would share. Have a wonderful weekend.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Wedding Day Nerves? How about a Reality Show Wedding?

TNT will run a reality show next year titled Wedding Day. It stars Steven Holdwick and Holli Munro, who were married at the St. Johns Episcopal Church in Saginaw, Michigan at 4pm today.


The reception was held at Horizons Conference Center. The coolest thing? They WON their wedding from TNT in a contest.

There is no air date set yet. :(
The film shooting has been going on all week in Saginaw.

So, the question is......
are you still nervous about YOUR WEDDING DAY?

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

I'm so excited!!

So....a month or so ago I was made aware of a young lady in need of some help. She has a health problem of some sort, which has become the cause for her needing a transplant. Sorry I don't have more details available, I will make them available as I can. So, we were discussing this at a Poor & Hungry Theater Tavern meeting a couple months ago & I offered to pull together a fund raiser for her. Well, it's been longer than I expected, but today, I had a VENUE step up to the plate and offer their establishment for the fundraiser!! Praise God! I am so excited. I just couldn't wait to post this success. I don't have enough details for it to make sense, but we are sooooo looking forward to pulling this together.

I am working with a few others, who have offered their services. We have someone in charge of getting entertainment and someone else who will handle our PR. And, of course, I'm going to contact caterers, linen providers, florists, etc. to get all of the accoutrements donated! I am so excited and honored. Honored that I have a skill and a network of business associates that can bless someone. Not only that, but I have a good friend, who is married to a news anchor....So, we are hoping to get some FANTASTIC promotions to help us sell tickets.

I think this is going to be a very successful venture. Pray for us. Pray for our success and that the Lord will call people to donate and help where they can.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING (AND FUNDRAISER!) PLANNING!

Wedding Invitation Postage Costs

A client of mine recently received her wedding invitations from cardsandpockets.com, and they are absolutely beautiful!




She took them to the post office to have them hand-canceled (per my suggestion) and when they were weighing them to check the postage cost....(trust me, it's not what you think), the wonderful Post Office employee had a thought. She said “I need to check the width of this” and placed one of the invitations into a three dimensional box. The idea is that the envelope is to slide through the box 100% on its own. Well, guess what? It did not. Now, don't get me wrong, the envelope only needed slight shimmying to slide through. But, it was enough to warrant a parcel post fee! So, my clients invitation postage budget RADICALLY changed from $1.01 ($0.59 invitation + $0.42 rsvp) per envelope to a whopping $1.76 per envelope! Yes, $1.34 for the invitation and $0.42 for the rsvp envelopes.

Now, isn't that crazy? That's almost 200% the cost! Outrageous.

Anyway, the point is, be careful when designing these new pocket style invitations. Try to use paper that isn't overly thick and be aware of any embellishments you add to the invitation. Also, it may help if you stick them under an encyclopedia for a day or two to flatten them!!

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Wedding Album - yuck.

I really dislike writing an article like this. But, it has to be done. I'm all about getting information out there.

Once the wedding is over, be certain to get your album done soon. My hubby and I waited...a while....not TOO long...only two years....yes, okay, TOO long. And, now that we've made all our decisions, it's taking our photographer FOREVER to actually build the album.

Or...perhaps, it's just because we spent so long putting it together, that now we're ready to have it!
No, really, I hate to admit it, that's not it. It's taking a while.... And, the really upsetting part about it, is that he hasn't even responded to the last three or four emails we sent him.....

Rotten. I'm sorry. I can't completely blame him, because we did take forever to give him the information regarding what pictures we wanted...and, he does have current clients, of course they would probably take priority over me.....

The one thing I don't understand is...doesn't he know that I can either bring him business or not bring him business, being a wedding coordinator and that this may influence who I refer brides to? {{sigh}} I really do like him. I just hope we get our album soon!!

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Hangar Dance ~ 1940 style!

My hubby and I attended a Hangar Dance this past weekend that was so fun! Dear hubby is a member of the St. Augustine Airport Pilots Association and we attend their quarterly dinners, meetings, etc. It is mostly a social group of men (with a few women) who LOVE to fly. And, yes, dear hubby and I often fly...in a tiny airplane...and we've taken Domino with us before! She LOVES to go flying. I would almost say that Domino loves it more than I do. Okay, back on topic.

So, we attended this hangar dance so we could see our dear friends, chit chat about flying, and eat some good food. Well, little did I know I would be blogging about it! You see, this was a really FANTASTIC party. And, it was reasonable in cost to throw. The tickets were designed after WWII ration tickets (invitations) and we received dog tags (favors-HOW CUTE?!) when we walked in the door.





The venue was decorated with parachutes hanging from the ceiling, they drove in an old military jeep and parked a plane in the hangar.

It was really quite awe-inspiring. LOOK AT THAT SUNSET!



And, of course, my little head started clicking....I'm thinking what a great theme for a wedding reception! Imagine the creativity behind this type of event. It's definitely NOT cookie cutter... A good wedding coordinator and decorator could soften it up a bit and it would be a beautiful wedding reception theme.

If your hubby to be is in the military, it could tie in with a military inspired wedding ceremony. I know one couple who actually entered their reception under a sword-canopy. I'm not sure of the technical term for it, but something like that would definitely contribute to this feeling! This would also be perfect for a wedding anniversary party or a birthday party. Or, just to have a party!

And, of course, the music was amazing. The Clay County Community Band's swing ensemble performed. What a wonderful night. A great time was had by all. {{sigh}}

If you would like our assistance with implementing a theme party for a wedding in the jacksonville area or for any other type of party, please email me at: Layla at wedwithease dot com.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

I love!!!

I Love the whole world, it's such a lovely place!

Thanks, Ciara!!! I love this ad, how wonderful!

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Jessica and Michael's Wedding Photos

Okay, so this is the weekend for posting videos and photos of recent weddings.

I just couldn't help myself. You've seen the video from Jessica and Michael's wedding, now here are some photographs.

The photos are all provided courtesy of Dan Harris, who, in my humble opinion, is one of the premier photographers in Jacksonville. If you are looking to book someone who is professional, artistic, creative, and just a pleasure to work with, Dan is your man. He and his staff are all wonderful.

Take a look....

Beautiful candle pew markers, work of Clay Tillman from Anything With Plants & Flowers.

The bridesmaids peaking out the blinds, watching the men get their photos taken outside. How cute!

Beautiful wedding cake from Sheila's Cakes:

Tuxedo strawberries also from Sheila's Cakes:

couple more shots of Clay's beautiful work:



































I love this shot of the bride and her bridesmaids:

Dan has a unique way of looking at things...here's to the end of a beautiful, memorable day.....and the beginning of a lifetime of happiness.






















until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Kellie and Randy Kwan's Highlight Video

Okay, okay, call me a slacker.....
A few weeks ago, Jay Neumark of Simply Wed Video emailed me the highlight video from Kellie McKendree and Randy Kwan's beautiful wedding ceremony and reception, and I neglected to post it here for my readers to enjoy! I'm sorry. It really is a beautiful video. Jay and his wife do wonderful work.

**added 10/12/08 - if the video doesn't launch, you may need to download quicktime**

Kellie and Randy were married on 8/8/08. In Chinese culture, 8 is a very lucky number. So, 8/8/08 is a very lucky set of numbers.

Their wedding ceremony was at First United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, with their reception just a couple blocks up the street at the Casa Monica.

Kellie and Randy hired me approximately 6 weeks before the big date. I had no idea at the time of the reason behind the date. Then, as I got to know Randy and his culture a little bit more, some other things came up, which I found of interest. Did you know that in Chinese culture, it is rude to hand someone a fan? Not just rude, let me rephrase that, it is HIGHLY OFFENSIVE. Don't do it. Kellie and Randy had beautiful teal fans at the church, but they were not handed out, they were simply left there for you to pick up, if you so chose.

That is why I love the work I do so much. I get to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, places in the world & learn about them. I love meeting new people. I love watching how couples work together to bring their dreams of their future into reality. I truly do enjoy being a part of that.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

~Layla

Honeymoon ~~ Beware Cell Phone charges!!

Honeymooning overseas? Enjoying the slopes of Canada or the beaches in the Carribbean? You might find an unwelcome shock when you return home...your cell phone bill!

Okay, ladies....This is rotten....All the more reason I need to get the word out.

When you go on your honeymoon (to the island...to london...to hawaii..., basically anywhere out of your home location!) Please, please, please, check that your cell phone company isn't going to raid your pocketbook while you are gone!

Not only are voice minutes much more expensive in other countries, but your "Rollover Minutes," "Fave Fives" or "My Circle" plans probably also are not valid in other countries.

Hear me out. There are a lot of us with blackberries & these really great data plans...we get our email on our phone. Your antenna is "on" all the time. This is the first part of the nightmare.

Let's say you get off the plane in Albuquerque (love bugs bunny!) and, guess what? Your cell phone antenna is constantly checking your email. Yes, constantly! And, you return from your beautiful, relaxing, smooth, lovey-dovey, romantic 10 days in Aruba and in another 5 days, you receive your $987 phone bill!! Yes, perhaps even more than that!

Do you check email using your phone? Send or Receive text messages? Browse the web? Use Internet-based GPS mapping? Have you installed some application on your phone that will update or alert you real-time of various events? How about RSS feeds? Do you get RSS feeds of your favorite blogs? Every single electronic transaction is subject to extraordinary charges!

I know a colleague of mine who, even though she did not make a single phone call, did not browse the Internet, did not text anyone, or even use her phone at all for a week's vacation, came home to a cell phone bill that was SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS!!! Why?...because even though her phone was left in her suitcase the entire time, it was turned on. That meant it was connected to another country's cell phone provider, and for the entire duration of her vacation, she had a permanent data connection to their network, accruing charges by the minute!

Now, don't get me wrong, some cell phone companies may be forgiving, they may understand if you call them crying....But, why risk it?! Turn that thing off when you leave the U.S.

You're on your honeymoon for goodness sakes! Don't you have something else to pay attention to, other than your crackberry?

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Perfect Wedding Reception Candles!

So, I'm still trying to wake up...I'm nursing my coffee and checking out a few new blogs that I have not read before and I come across something that really caught my eye this morning.

I was perusing Jennifer Levenfus' blog...She's The Fussy Designer. And, she has some really great things on there.

But, the one that caught my attention was her d-i-y votive wraps. I think that they are TOO cute!

What an easy, cost conscious way to dress up YOUR wedding reception! They are just so urban, chic, new, and yet, could also fit into a floral, feminine theme. I think that it's very versatile. When in black, the templates would be more bold, if in a lighter color, they could add some softness~~~

Check out the votive templates and check our her blog, she's a graphic designer, so of course, she's creative!


until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Engaged? What's first?

Hello, lovely brides to be!

I hope that you are doing very well. Making productive steps in your planning process? I know there are tons of details to handle. I'm here to help, if you need me.

Today's topic is simple, I just thought someone out there might be wondering....

Traditionally, the groom's father would make the initial contact to the brides father to express their happiness on the engagement and invite the family over for an introductory meeting. Ever wonder where this tradition comes from?

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away (oh wait! wrong story...)

Anyway, many years ago, once married, the bride moved in with the grooms family. That is where this tradition originated. The groom's family made the initial contact to welcome her into their family.

Of course, this tradition is NOT in stone! Some families don't know the tradition and this particular tradition it isn't that important to everyone. As long as SOMEONE makes the initial contact. If the groom's family has not called, then it's 100% okay for the bride's family to call. They may not know what's expected. And, better to make the contact and get the ball rolling BEFORE any misunderstandings form. Your families will be one. Joined together by you and your bond to each other will encompass everyone involved. Isn't that wonderful news? Shout it from the rooftops!


until next time.....

EASY PLANNING!

~Layla

Why Hire a Wedding Coordinator?

This is answer number two in my mini-series! There's no telling how long it may go on :-)

Okay, so, you've just been engaged. Your fiance' purchased the most beautiful engagement ring you have ever seen and you are on cloud nine. You've notified your families (This is priority number 1) and have taken a couple of weeks (everyone needs some flaunt time) to bask in the absolute bliss of being happily engaged to the man of your dreams, the love of your life. You may have (okay, who are we kidding? of course you have!) purchased a few bridal magazines and have begun flipping through them. You've dreamed about your wedding day your entire life. You know EXACTLY the look, the feel, the experience, the sights, sounds, smells, feelings and memories you want to create with your wedding day..... {aahhhhh.....} You're absolutely glowing with happiness.

Then, it all comes to a halt! You decide to take that first step in planning. What is it? Where is it? Who is it? okay, okay, calm down....venue first, right? no, budget first! no, guest list and head count first! no, definitely budget. okay, okay, okay. calm down. {{{{take deep breaths}}}}

That's what I'm here for. Yes, definitely, budget first. Determine how much $$ you and your fiance' want to spend. Then, sit down and have a frank discussion with your parents. In this day and age, it's not uncommon for it to be BOTH sets of parents. Discuss with them what amount of money (if any) they can contribute. This is also a good time to find out if there are particular aspects of the wedding that they care about more than others. Does Mom really think you MUST have a traditional, engraved invitation? Well, then, perhaps she won't mind picking up the tab for that little piece of bridal bliss. Did you know that 50 engraved invitations, response sets and reception cards can easily cost $1,300!!! That's over $25 each. And, that does NOT include postage, save the dates, menu cards, thank you cards, seating cards, the list goes on and on... seemingly endless.

So, yes, budget first. Talk to all parties and determine the total amount of money you have to work with. THEN, deduct 10%. You MUST give yourself a 10% cushion. Then, your next step is to hire a wedding consultant.

Let's look at it this way, you can spend hours trying to find WHAT you want, at the PRICE you want or...you can hire a coordinator. A good coordinator will honestly tell you what you can do with $20,000. A really GREAT coordinator will help you get MORE for your money. A really GREAT coordinator knows what vendors provide EXCELLENT service for a reasonable price. Your coordinator knows how to make your vision, your dreams, your happily-ever-after all yours.

A wedding coordinator's specialty is making YOUR wedding happen. And, doing it as easy as possible. Let a wedding coordinator turn off that stress button! Stop biting your fingernails~~
Let a wedding coordinator take the stress off of you and guide you down the aisle with ease.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

I LOVE great wedding makeup!

Don't get me wrong, my Beautiful Brides 2 B, I'm not a makeup kinda gal.....
As a matter of fact, if you see me wearing makeup, consider the fact that I may be trying to impress you :-)
{{seriously!}}
I only rarely wear makeup. I wore it the day I got married. I wore it on a date with my hubby to see Phantom of the Opera. I wore it to meet with a client of mine and her parents at the caterer's place. And, I wear it when I'm on stage (yes, don't laugh...I am a HUGE theater buff) or when I'm having professional photographs taken.

BUT, I must show you this site. It's Ask Me Makeup and the stuff that Amy puts on her site is AH-MAZING. to say the least.

She's very "pinup, sexy, fabulous!" Beware, if you check out the galleries, don't let any young eyes see it...or, if you're ultra conservative, you may want to stay away. Of course, you may be curious, and if you are, it's okay. The stuff is (in my opinion) tasteful.

I love, love, love it.

Oh, and BTW, you can find instructional videos by her on You Tube.
Here is a favorite of mine, which, of course, is a wedding makeup tutorial. She even puts on lashes!!


But, there are tons more.....check out Amy B on You Tube and also on her website.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Why Hire a Coordinator?

Hello! Beautiful Bride 2 B!

I've decided to run a short series "Why should I hire a wedding coordinator?"

To a vendor (photographer, caterer, makeup artist, hotel, take your pick), you are a ONE TIME customer.
A wedding coordinator is a repeat customer. Most vendors will be likely to work very hard to make your coordinator happy. Your coordinator is working for you! So, get your needs met more easily by using a coordinator, and use your coordinator's negotiating pull as a repeat customer!

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Veils and Headpieces

Hello, beautiful Bride 2 B!
I have found a wonderful website with the most exquisite headpieces and veils. Her name is Leah C. and I can't ga-ga enough! Beautiful, extravagant, gorgeous! If you are looking for the PERFECT headpiece, I suggest visiting AND SOON. Her stuff is bound to be everywhere this coming 2009 wedding season. I wish I could get married all over again....
Well, she does have a cocktail section. What upcoming party do I have?? I'll just have to find an excuse!

check out her site: Leah C.
You will be glad you did and I'm certain stunned by the beauty of her designs.

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

The Rattlesnake Club: Arielle and Adam

I think this MUST be the most unique processional I have seen. It came from Epic Motion's blog. They're a video production company based in Michigan. They did a great job with the same day edit featured here:

Same Day Edit at The Rattlesnake Club: Arielle and Adam

Posted using ShareThis

What I really want to know is, who is the creative genius behind this idea? What do you think? Isn't this fantastic?! Perhaps its my theater/film background that makes me appreciate it so much, but I can't get over how fun it must have been to imagine, plan, produce, participate in, capture, and just think how fun it was for the guests! Just all around wonderful.

Let me know what you think ~~ comment!

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Purchasing an Engagement Ring

Okay, this topic may be found a little unusual, but I think it is very necessary! It's also more for men than it is for women.

I want to talk a little bit about the absolute best website to purchase an engagement ring from. That is Blue Nile. If you haven't been to their site (even if you are already wearing your bling), be certain to take a look. Talk to your best friends boyfriend and tell him about it. I'm serious about this ladies. This website has an amazingly easy tool to build your own ring. You choose the shape of diamond you want, then you narrow it by size, price, and those c's (that we 2b's are all so familiar with). And, their prices are incredible. How do I know? My engagement ring was purchased from Blue Nile. We had it appraised and it appraised at twice what my wonderfully savvy hubby paid for it. Yes, that is right, twice the value.

So, check it out and spread the word.

P.S. It's not just great for engagement rings, but anniversary, Christmas, birthdays....you get the idea. In addition to diamonds, they sell pearls, earrings, necklaces, jewelry of all kinds. I have a wishlist on the site! My hubby knows just where to find it. Why not give the guys some help in the gift idea department? :-)

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

It's Official!!

The GREAT news is in....

I've officially become a sponsor of Jacksonville Magazine's 2008 Wedding Giveaway. I'm providing services to one lucky winning couple, along with the following wedding professionals:

1. Naturally Photography


2. DeLand Entertainment


3. Liz Stewart Floral Design


4. Love, a Bridal Boutique


5. Magnolia String Quartet


6. Sheila's Cakes


7. Pineapple Post


8. Dana's Limosine Service

I am sooo excited to be a part of this wonderful giveaway. It's a pleasure to be working with such a group of professionals and a pleasure to be a provider to the LUCKY COUPLE! Be sure that you visit Jacksonville Magazine's website to enter into their contest! You can't win if you don't enter!

There are three small steps:

Complete the Contest Registration Form
Read the Contest Requirements, and
Submit your video

This is a really wonderful contest! I wish there were giveaways like this when I got married.... {{sigh}}

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Favor Contest!!

I gotta tell you...Style Me Pretty is at the TOP of my list of favorite blogs. And, approximately 10 minutes ago, they posted a contest for Favors to be given away by Beau-Coup. Beau-Coup is a fantastic place to look for beautiful, gracefully designed, absolutely the biggest variety of unique favors.

I want to encourage all my readers to visit Style Me Pretty's contest and enter. There are two questions to answer (very little work involved here) & the value is $500!

All Brides I know LOVE free stuff!!

Jessica and Michael's wedding highlight video

Jessica and Michael were married on June 21, 2008 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, and their reception was held at The Ribault Club. I now have their highlight video and what a great one it is!

Bruce of First Sight Pictures did an absolutely fantastic job on Jessica and Michael's highlight video. One particular moment stands out, Jessica at the altar with a tear on her cheek. Gives me goosepimples to see it again!!

I would like to say to all brides and grooms out there, the MOST important part of your entire wedding day is the few moments you spend at the altar, looking your new spouse in the eyes and speaking your commitments before God, your family, and your friends. For better, for worse, for life. All the rest, is icing on the cake.

ABC State Educational Conference

This past weekend I was present at the Association of Bridal Consultants - Florida Branch "A La Carte" 2008 State Meeting. What a time I had! I carpooled with and shared a room with Cassandra Cherneski of Flaire Weddings & Events. It was wonderful to spend some great quality time with other planners in the State of Florida. Also present were:

• Heather Trimboli
• Cheryl Raby
• Lisa Burnett
• Kenya Washington
• Rob Meli
• Kerline Docteur
• Elise Enloe
• Tammy Waterman; and
• Judy Zimmerman.

I'm sorry I can't list everyone!!
I can guarantee you that everyone had a fantastic time. I attended, thinking that it was an opportunity for me to relax, do some socializing and perhaps learn something. Well, let me tell you, I learned a TON, socialized a little bit and did a little relaxing as well. There was also that perfect Saturday evening...in the Luna lounge...watching the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!! How fantastic is that? It was a sight to be seen...four women, hooting and hollering at a football game! of all things. We loved it. I think that everyone got a kick out of my blessing of the bucs on Sunday, reminding them that it was only "pre-season" :-)

What did I learn? Many, many things. The breakout sessions I attended were as follows:

1. Overcoming Tentaphobia (taught by Jesse Caya of Fast Party Rentals)
2. Kick Start Getting Started (taught by Rob Meli)
3. Marketing Plans for Startup (taught by Judy Zimmerman)
4. Contract Clauses for Non Lawyers (taught by Kenya Washington)
5. Multimedia Marketing Strategies for Established Businesses (also taught by Judy)
6. Defogging Blogging (taught by Kerline Docteur)

I also attended a hands on floral workshop, which was taught by the very talented Jennifer McCloud, Flowers by Jenny. The floral workshop was definitely my favorite! We actually produced both a boutonniere and a bridal bouquet.

I'm looking forward to the next conference already. I really would do that every weekend if I could.

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Princess & Co. ~~ ARRESTED!!

ORIGINALLY POSTED 7/31/2008

I just have to say....
I heard about this today and a few thoughts struck me.

1) Check with the BBB before giving any wedding vendor your hard-earned money.
2) Check references.
3) Make sure your planner is a member of a well respected association. Whether it is ABC or the BBB.

Please read the article here: Princess & Co.'s Khasbatova arrested July 30, 2008

8/2 @ 10:16 pm: I found this previous story regarding the same planner: Previous First Coast News Story regarding Princess & Co.

Bridal Shop...CLOSED???

I thought that would get your attention...Yes, a beautiful gown shop located in Jacksonville Beach has closed its doors. Thankfully, their business is being routed to a NEW shop. The Simple Bride, located at 2445 3rd Street South, Suite C in Jacksonville Beach has closed their doors. I personally spoke to Daphne Mills, the owner of The Simple Bride. Any orders Daphne's shop has previously taken are being fulfilled by Bridal Alterations and More, located at 12226 Beach Blvd., Suite 6. They are located in a strip mall, just west of Kernan. The telephone number is (904) 247-1802. If you would like additional assistance in finding a bridal shop to help you with your shopping/fittings/bridesmaids/and groomsmen, please send me an email at layla @ wedwithease dot com.
wedding gown bridal shop simple bride