Dance Lessons vs. Dance NO Lessons

Do you or don't you take lessons? That is the question on the hour. I know that most Groom's hate it when I ask that question if they know how to dance. Well, it is a very valid question given your first dance 'All Eyes' will be upon you.

1. Where should I go? (Local Dance Studio that does group or individual lessons.)
2. When do you begin to take lessons? (Recommend three to four months in advance to give you time to practice.)
3. How many lessons should I take? (You should take two hours of private lessons up to six hours maybe necessary depending on how fast you learn.)
4. Can I bring my wedding party with me? (You can for more fun or even do a song together at the reception for your guests.)
5. Should I even or can I bring my dad or mother with me to learn to? (You can also learn your father/daughter dance and mother/son dance as well if you would like.)
6. Before the big day you need to make sure you have all the key points. You can even book a refresher course if need be.
7. Keep to performing well is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE makes perfect.
8. Finally, keep your cool, enjoy your special dance and DON'T count with your lips. If you mess up only person who will know is you and your new spouse.

It is only once in a lifetime that this happens. Enjoy the festivities.

We wish you fun and happiness.

New Color Combo to try

Have you ever thought of choosing a color that is just you. It speaks about your personality, attitude and what your relationship is all about. Try a simple color to refresh your wedding then go with a punch of color. It is surprising when you give your guests something to look forward to. So go out there and give them a WOW for your wedding.
Here are a few new hot combinations:
Snowy White with a Citrus Green
White and Dark Plum
Deep Red and Wines
Orange and Pink
Pink and Orange
Bright Blue and Yellow
Turquoise and White
Tangerine and Yellow
Champagne and Silver

Hope this will inspire you to give your colors a second chance.

6th Semi Annual Solutions Bridal Show

We had a FANTASTIC Bridal Show at the Hilton in Gainesville on Sunday. Things came together so well. From having a sold out VENDOR show to over 400 registered brides that came through the doors. WOW!!! Can I have a hallelujah praise?!? This this is such an amazing thing in itself to have a sold out vendor show and now how many brides came.

So all those reading thank you for coming. I want to thank Solutions Bridal for allowing us to plan this entire Bridal Show. It was such a pleasure to be involved. We enjoyed all of the details and are looking forward to the next show on September 13, 2009 at the Hilton.

Mock Reception with Taylor and Chris

Just to share with you what all we do to prepare for a bridal show.

Brides mark your calendar for the next shows. They are all starting to throw out the new dates.

Ultimate Bridal Fantasy in St. Augustine

We had the privilege to be a part of a bridal show at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. It was really an eye opening experience with meeting over 500 brides. The brides came in from Jacksonville, Tallahassee and of course the local brides. We even had some Gainesville Brides...you know who you are. We say you the week before too. Great to see you.

Check out the fashion show that was put on by local bridal salons.

We were able to see Darice Michelle which did our Brazilian wedding in November so we were able to catch up with each other. Check out her fashion show pictures. If you have time she has a ton more on her blog.

Hope to see you at the next show. It is on August 30, 2009 at Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.

Baking with your family…

In the month of December we have a family tradition, this is for all ages; therefore from my youngest to my oldest, their grandmother plus me. We always do a weekend of baking for the holiday’s and also for all of our holiday parties. Therefore, when we are invited to a party we are set to go with homemade goodies and aren’t stressing about how and when I will make them. Plus they are terrific teacher’s gifts. They are homemade and from the heart.
I wanted to share with you a new favorite recipe we tried this year that you and your family might enjoy.
Great Pumpkin Cookies
3 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 1/3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 ¾ tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 ½ tsp. salt
3 ½ sticks butter, softened
1 ¾ cups of sugar
1 ¾ cups of brown sugar
1 can of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
2 large eggs
1 ¾ tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups chopped walnuts
1 1/3 cups raisins

Mix all well flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, eggs, and extract; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins.

DROP: ¼ cup dough onto greased baking sheet; spread into 3-inch circle. Repeat with remaining dough.
BAKE: in preheated 350 degree oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until firm and lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate with decorator icing if desired. Makes 40 large cookies.

I hope you will enjoy baking with your family.

Don’t forget the holiday traditions that you have always had when you were growing up. We always had Pumpkin Bread, Date Rice Krispies Balls, and Yum Yum Cookies plus many more but those are a few of my favorites that I must always make. I invite you to share with me one of your favorite recipes.

Having a hard time finding the right Bridesmaids dresses.

Try checking out this website. I am just loving. It is www.watters.com. They allow you to see so many styles and then the color you choose right then and there so you can see. It is easy to order from.
They have a wide variety of fabrics to choose from on their bridesmaids gowns.

Types of Receptions Part VI

A Simple Cake and Punch Reception

You can "Let them eat cake" as long as your event is not during a normal mealtime. Have a simple but elegant cake and punch reception. It must be planned for the mid morning, for the mid afternoon, or for after an evening wedding. In addition, you may include some candies, cookies, and nuts to the menu. Be certain to include "Cake and Punch Reception Following Ceremony." This will inform the guests ahead of time not to expect a full meal.

Types of Receptions Part V

Decadent Dessert Reception or Dessert Party

This type of reception is suitable between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Serve an extensive assortment of rich desserts such as cheesecakes, tarts, tortes, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, cobblers, biscotti, ice cream, sundaes, and candies. Serve coffee, tea, and other beverages. Add "Dessert Reception Following Ceremony" to your invitations.

Types of Receptions Part IV

Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktail Reception
This type of reception or party is similar to the one above in regards to time and menus. However, you are serving hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Include "Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktail Reception Following Ceremony" on your invitations. Request your caterer to include bartending staff.

Types of Receptions Part III

Hors d'oeuvres Reception
This type of reception/event is appropriate between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Provide light finger foods such as chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, and crackers. Write "Light Hors d'oeuvres Reception Following Ceremony" on the invitations. If you would like to include more substantial foods that are more filling include meat and cheese trays, shrimp cocktails, egg rolls, sausages, chicken wings, and tea sandwiches. Include "Hors d'oeuvres Reception Following Ceremony" if you are serving appetizers with meats.

Types of Receptions Part II

A Salad Luncheon/Reception
A salad luncheon reception is wonderful if your wedding is late morning. In addition, this type of meal is cheaper than a sit-down meal or buffet. Offer a wide selection of salads such various pasta salads, potato, rice salads, Chinese salads, coleslaw, fruit salads, gelatins with fruit, and green salads. Provide a few salad dressings, fruits, and breads. Include “Salad Reception Following Ceremony" on your invitation.

Types of Receptions Part I

A tea reception is inexpensive and it should be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tea and coffee is served with a variety of "tea sandwiches" also known as "dainties." The crusts are cut off of these small sandwiches. Tarts, scones, and pastries may be served, as well. Make sure that you add "Tea Reception Following Ceremony" on your wedding invitations.

Rivini Trunk Show coming to Coral Gables on January 22-24, 2009

Plan ahead ladies and check out...

January 22-24, 2009You are invited to the Rivini Trunk Show. Cut from lush silk satins, crepes, chiffons, and organzas, the latest 2009 Rivini collection flows with a purity of line. The collection, which is the essence of simple luxury, offers alluring designs modern brides desire.
Schedule your appointment to view these exquisite gowns, featuring crisp and creamy shades of bleached white and ivory and sweeping silhouettes.Appointments limited, please call (305) 448-5756.Chic Parisien3308 Ponce De Leon BoulevardCoral Gables, FL 33134www.chicparisienbridal.com.

Have fun ladies...~Angela

Advice to bride and grooms Part VII

Ice-Cream Social

Why not? It would be the talk of the weddings you have been to lately. Whether you have ice cream instead of cake or ice cream with your cake. We have even had Cold Stone Creamery come in with three types of ice cream with different mix ins that the bride and groom had pre-picked out. Then the guests had a choice of mix of toppings to go on top.

Something with a twist on this ideas is to do retro ice cream such as snow cones, Creamsicles, Ice cream sandwiches, Powerball ice cream, and cookie ice cream sandwich.

Advice to bride and grooms Part VI

Make a Grand Entrance into your reception
After the DJ introduces the wedding party have all the guests stand and make a victory tunnel so that the bride and groom can run through it. If you are huge Gator fans you should have a sign at the end that you break through. That would blow your guests minds.

Advice to bride and grooms Part V

You can cut your bar bill back if you do a few things. At least you might consider them.
1. Limit their options.
2. Offer one or two signature drinks. I love the thought of two because one can be for the bride and one for the groom. Then give them a name that reminds you about the bride and groom. So may be the bride’s drink is a special martini then call it a ‘Kimtini’ pulling in the bride’s name ‘Kim’. Then if the groom loves crown it can be called ‘JJ on the Rocks’ after the groom. Just to give you some samples.
3. Sticking with only one red and one white wine and only two types of beer.
4. You might be able to convince your bartender if you choose set premix drinks that they don’t charge you for making the drink because they only have to shake and serve.
5. You can have your signature drinks only passed during the cocktail hour and not have the main bar open. Your guests won’t even notice.
6. Consider doing a ‘drink of choice’ instead of the ‘champagne’ toast. Most don’t do champagne so why waste the money on something that they may not enjoy them.

Advice to bride and grooms Part IV

Create a web site or wedding blog. People love to know what is happening. What better way to help you save time but keep them in the loop of things. BLOG! You guessed it. Blog your wedding so all your family and friends plus their friends can keep up with what is happening and even make comments. Remember to do a few things if you are going to do a BLOG.
1. Do it often.
2. Try to not write too much at each BLOG. You want to give them up date but not pages and pages.
3. Put your personality in it…don’t be plain.
4. Put in links and pictures as you come across.
5. You can even make it fun and have them vote on things. What fun would that be?
6. Never vent about a vendor on your BLOG. If something happens about a vendor be careful not to vent on the BLOG or hint about it either.

Advice to bride and grooms Part III

Sweet Treats that are bite size. These are just a small touch but can make a big statement. Serve mini desserts that go with your theme, may even match your colors. They can be in some fun containers. I think about all the different types of desserts Leah from Celebrations (www.celebrations-catering.com) has come up with over the years. Each of them having a unique container and spoon to compliment the dessert.

Advice to bride and grooms Part II

Another way to spice up your reception is to have a band for the cocktail hour and dinner so you have the live music but then change into a DJ for the dancing party after cake cutting. You could even throw your guests for a loop when you have them butler out shots of your favorite liquor onto the dance floor. What a memory can be made! So have fun and be different at your wedding. Your wedding should not be a cooking cutter wedding it should be your wedding.

Matt and Meg's New Year's Eve Wedding

I am so excited to tell everyone about this wedding- it may have been one of my favorites I've ever done! Such a fun, relaxed, happy couple with such great families!
To be honest, I wasn't thrilled when I first learned I would be working on New Year's Eve- by myself. But the more I got to know Matt and Meg, I could not have been more excited to do anything else on New Year's Eve! It was truly such a blast! The Plantation Hall at Haile was decorated so beautifully (which took me several hours, but was so worth it!)- it was like a completely different building! I hope to use these pictures as future marketing to show what can really be done in that building.


I loved the fusion of the Japanese culture and American culture together in so many ways- the food, the decor, the music- and especially the way the two groups of people interacted on the dance floor! They may not have been able to communicate verbally, but they had no problem relating on that dance floor! One of the most unique things about Matt and Meg is that they actually got married this past summer in Meg's home country of Japan with a traditional Japanese ceremony- which was shown right before this ceremony for all of the guests to see.
Of course, I have to thank all of the wonderful vendors that made this event such a success. Most of the decor came from Party Time Rentals- and a special thanks to Roxann for hanging the lanterns even though I tried to make her leave so many times! What a truly caring, kind-hearted person! An extra-special touch was created by Betsy from The Plant Shoppe- gorgeous centerpieces that just fit perfectly with the atmosphere of this event. Chef Brothers provided the delicious food and great service- they really made my job a breeze that night! Rounding off the yummy department was the cake by Jenny Wagner. Of course, no one would have had such a great time if it weren't for Bill and Taylor from Jay's Entertainment- they even led the guests in a live countdown to 2009, followed by lots of noisemakers, party hats, and of course- champagne to celebrate! Thank goodness we had Amy Barry from Capturing Real Life/Couture Photography to turn these moments into permanent, life-long memories! Even at 32 weeks pregnant- she did an awesome job and took some really incredible photos.

Overall, this turned out to be one of the best New Year's Eves that I've had in a while! I wish Matt and Meg the absolute best of luck in the future- I know they will have a wonderful, happy life together because they are so in love and so committed to having a strong relationship no matter what. Happy New Year and a happy new life to Matt and Meg- best wishes!

Jay's Bridal Show was a HUGE Success

We had a great time at the Jay's Bridal Show. Check us out! Don't WE look good. :)

Advice to bride and grooms Part I

I have put together a series that I hope you will enjoy. These are just some ideas from different parts of your wedding that you might consider.

Does a great reception have to do with money or timing? What is your vote?

The answer is timing. Don’t allow your guests to become bored. If they start watching their watches then you have problems. Keep the party moving and not to let it die down. How do you do this? Create a minute by minute timeline; we do that for every wedding. This way nothing get’s forgot but more important that we keep things going.
You want to keep your guests going and give them the unexpected and hence something they will never forget.

Jasmine Bridal and Jade Mothers Trunk Show at Jay's Bridal

It is coming on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, January 23, 24, 25th, 2009 at Jay's Bridal in the Creekside Mall. This is going to be one of their first of two Jasmine trunk shows this season! Reserve your fitting room now; appointments required. Anne Herzog, our southeast Jasmine sales rep will be in Gainesville for three days to help North Florida brides customize their new Jasmine Collection gown and also help Mom by suggesting the perfect Jade by Jasmine Mother’s dress from the new 2009 styles. Custom measurements from Jade are always available when you order early. January is the perfect time to order for the peak wedding season.

Plus an extra bonus...Muffin morning! Extended store hours Sunday, January 25th for the last day of the show. Appointments accepted from 10am until 5pm ! Special trunk show discounts & incentives all weekend. Call today for your appointment. 352-377-9548.

Florida Bridal Expo on January 25, 2009

Solutions Bridal Designer House presents the 6th Semi Annual Florida Bridal Expo on Sunday, January 25th, 2009 at The Hilton University of Florida in Gainesville, FL from 12:00-5:00pm. We will have over 50 vendors present at this show. Along with 3 Grand Prizes Given Away. One of them being a WEDDING DAY GIVEAWAY valued up to $17,500. We will have other giveaways from Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy's and Belk. Wait we even have something for the guys. We will have a Casino Lounge happening for you. To wrap up the event we will finish it off with a Mock Wedding Reception with A`vie Wedding and Event Planners, Party Time Rentals, Ms Debbie Sugar Art, and Hilton.



Tickets are: VIP Tickets are $15 (Advance Only through Solutions 352-367-0070 or online at http://www.solutionsbridal.com/); $5 in Advance; $9 at the Door.

Custom Postage

Have you ever thought about putting your monogram on your postage for your wedding invitations? Well I didn’t think you could do the monogram. I knew a picture but now you can do more. check out www.zazzle.com. The cost is $18.00 per page with 20 stamps.

Softer Hair Styles are coming back

We are so use to hair styles that are set in place and not a hair out of place. We are seeing more and more brides chose a style that is softer, sexier and even messy at times.

Food can tell all…

Yes, your cuisine can help to convey your wedding dream and vision. May it be the types of food, display of foods or even a color scheme throughout the food; think about what beverages you could serve to pull your theme or vision throughout your wedding. This might even start when your guests arrive to your wedding ceremony on the beach and you serve lemonade verses water. Just something with your little touch.

The Movie ‘Bride Wars’

If you know me very well at all you will know that I really enjoy movies. Whether it is going to a movie, renting one, buying a new one or sitting down with my family with a great movie. I am always up for a movie…even a late night one. Without any further words…I highly encourage you to go see Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. They are some of my favorite actresses. It starts January 9th. www.bridewars.com

Reception Tables vs. Floor Plan

Just to give you a word of encouragement when you are doing your floor plan…mix it up! I would like to encourage you to think about doing a mix of small and large round, squares or rectangles. You can mix it up to give it a variety in the appearance of your room. Along with that theme you can coordinate your linens and centerpieces to match the same of the table. Good Luck and have fun with it.

Let's Eat Cake!

This might sound a little bit strange coming from another planner but over the past year Melissa Margarita-DiStefano and I have become friends. I would even say good friends. We get together monthly to chat and catch up. It is a pleasure to know someone in the same field as I am. She understands the hours and many other details as planners we walk through. Enough about that...I am pleased to share with you as my blogstalkers, friends and clients something that she is doing. Please read about what she is doing for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I highly encourage you to help her and them to make their goal.

Masterpiece Weddings, an event coordination agency founded by Melissa Margarita-DiStefano, is working really hard to put on an amazing fundraiser in February called Let’s Eat Cake! - which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - an incredible organization that’s dedicated to treating children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
Let’s Eat Cake! is a wedding cake competition, featuring Wedding Cake confections from all over the United States. Bakers will feature their cakes to be judged by Local and National Culinary Celebrities. In addition bakers will be asked to make enough cake to feed the general public, so that they may judge the cakes as well! Our Goal is to raise $50,000 for this extremely worthy cause, we know times are tough for everyone out there. But that doesn't mean that doesn't mean that kids still aren't getting sick. Please help spread the word about our goal, and our mission. If you can help financially, that'd be great. Please click on the links to help reach their goal.

Be different when you think color

Give elements an eye catching appearance. You might find a specific color that pops; ornate patterns, different shapes; metallic materials, or even sparkly embellishments. Remember your invitations set the tone of your wedding and your guests should and will expect.

Guestbooks can and should be unique…

I just found this really neat web site that I thought I would share with you regarding unique guest books. Check it out. www.guestbookstore.com.

Monique Lhuillier Trunk show

Just received this from the Knot. If you still haven't found your dress you might want to check out her collection.

January 9-10, 2009Start off the new year with a Special Showing of the 2009 Collection!You are invited to the Monique Lhuillier Trunk show highlighting the designer's newest bridal collection. Don't miss this unique opportunity to view the gowns in this incredible collection—straight from the runways, only available in South Florida at Chic Parisien.
Appointments limited. Please call (305) 448-5756.Chic Parisien3308 Ponce De Leon BoulevardCoral Gables, FL 33134www.chicparisienbridal.com

Place Cards vs. Escort Cards

What do you chose? What is the difference? Do you know? Place Cards are already at the tables marked exactly where you want them to be sitting at. Where as Escort Cards are on a table near the entry way and you pick them up when you come into the reception.
Typically the place cards are seen at a Night time Formal reception and Escort Cards are more at afternoon, early evening or semi-formal receptions. There is no right or wrong just different. So for those who like Escort cards to be identical you better sit down…change is coming. The newest thing to come to etiquette is having a mix up of different types of escort cards. This is all done in the same paper just different variety of looks. Some on scrolls, others with scalloped edges and some with a baroque trim.
Wait until you get ready to display those escort cards. Be different in how they are placed along with the way they are placed. You can put them on a table, tray, acrylic tray with rye grass, in a basket on sticks or hanging from a tree. Be creative and have fun.

Bridal Show presented by Jay's Bridal on January 11, 2009

Gainesville's REAL Wedding Expo put on by Jay's Bridal
12:00-5:00 PM. Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Don't miss a Gainesville TRADITION. Plan your wedding in a day! Twice a year, the best local wedding related vendors gather in ONE PLACE to help you create the wedding of your dreams! Visit them all, and then take a break to see the NEWEST 2009 Wedding Fashions in a fun-filled RUNWAY fashion show by Jay's Bridal. Theater doors open at 1:30 pm. Fashion show at 2:00 pm. Prize drawings at 4:00 PM. Sample catered delights, visualize yourself in a limousine, talk with professional wedding photographers and videographers, taste yummy wedding cakes, check out area florists, DJ's, party and tent rentals, reception sites, wedding consultants and more! Tickets are $10.00;children under 12, $5.00;infants under 2, free.

Hope to see you at the show...

A wedding so chic even The Knot couldnt keep their hands off of it!

Natalie and Matt tied the knot back in April and we have to give them props as they have been selected to be featured in "The Knot" magazine for thier Spring/Summer issue of '09. This wedding was certainly one of kind with so many unique details- it was hard not to fall in love with it! Natalie and Matt got married at Sweetwater Branch Inn in Gainesville, Florida. With Caroline Johnson doing the photography. Please grab your copy at the Newstands shortly.

Bridal Show 101

Just a friendly tip to Brides:
When you are planning on attending a Bridal Show and want to be able to give vendors your info in a neat and quick fashion- try printing out address labels ahead of time that you can just stick to their info sheets. This makes it easy for the vendors to read your info and saves you time (not to mention it decreases your chances of getting writer's cramp!) Info you should include on your label:
Name (first and last)
Wedding Date (month/day/year)
Wedding Location (City and State at least)
Phone Number
Email Address
Address
This will help speed up the process and may help you to be able to spend more time talking to vendors and less time writing!