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