Cake Wreck!

Sooo... I know who is NOT invited to "Let's Eat Cake!"Anyone who has a picture posted on this website... Cake Wrecks.

{Image Source}

Photography Week, starts NOW!

We had so much with Cake Week, we've decided to have a Photography Week, and maybe eventually include all of the 5 F's! We are only going to feature photographers that we've worked with, trust implicitly, and love to death!

I set up 4 questions that will be asked of each and every photographer, so you can get a better sense of the style, personalities, and passion they each hold for what they do.

I specificially choose 5 very different photographers, all ranging in budgets and styles.

So we are starting off the week with a fabulous husband and wife team of photographers from Photography 35.

How did you get into Wedding Photography?

While Gregg was working as a staff photojournalist at the Daytona Beach News-Journal, I was photojournalist at the Leesburg Daily Commercial newspaper. Because finding jobs at the same publication, let alone the same city was proving impossible, we decided to purchase Photography 35 and work together. Since Photography 35 was already a premier wedding studio since 1981, we were able to continue its tradition of excellence while introducing photojournalism to the Gainesville market.

What do you consider your style of photography to be?

Al Although we studied classic potraiture while getting our degrees at the Southeast Center of Photography, our passion is photojournalism. With both of us having over 10 years of photojournalism experience, we approach weddings as photojournalsits. Once the formal pictures are done, so is the posing.

If you could offer one piece of advice to a bride, and only one, what would it be?

Two words-choose wisely. Since photographs are the only thing you will have after the wedding (other than your spouse of course), most couples agree that photography is too important to gamble with.

As the market has become flooded with wedding photographers, it has become difficult for couples to know which photographers are true professionals and which ones are fly by night.

As Melissa can tell you, anyone can create a slick website. Therefore you need to ask lots of questions. Find out the photographers background, education,experience,philosophy and shooting approach. Also ask relatives, friends and more importantly other wedding vendors who they recommend.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

We each have our own response to this:

Gregg - Proving to grooms skeptical grooms that getting pictures taken doesn't have to suck!

Angel- Seeing couples laugh and cry when they see their wedding images for the first time, knowing we truely captured every important moment - big & small - for them to treasure for life.

Thanks Gregg and Angel for kicking off our Photography week!!!

Happy Anniversary!

Most of you know, I've been a Wedding Consultant for more than 14 years, but officially, MasterPiece Weddings... 13 incredibly, amazing years!!

And that's great for you!

Why you ask....Because, we are offering a Happy Anniversary, Birthday, Years in Business Discount! For any new client, taking advantage of our fantastically inclusive pacakges through the end of the year can take advantage of a 13% discount in honor of the occassion!

So let's celebrate with a gift to you!!

Happy Anniversary MasterPiece Weddings!

Guest Blogger!

I did a little posty post for Lucky Designs about Hometown Honeymoons! Check it out, here!

Ramblings by Melissa

When John and I went to Ireland earlier this year, I looked over at him at one point (okay, lots of points) and saw this for the umteenth-billionth time.

and this....

It happened over and over and over and over and over again.... it got me thinking.

Is he enjoying our vacation, is he taking all of this amazingly beautiful scenery in, is he really seeing this 15th century ruin that "who knows" walked on this same stone, touched this place, prayed in this place? Or is his face stuck behind that big black box?

{at this point you are probably asking yourself... is she ever going to get back to weddings.... yes, hold on...}

So, I asked him to take a step back with me, sit his butt down and look, look at this 15th Century Castle Ruin with me, and think about the history. And how blessed we are to be standing here.

{afterwards he thanked me...later}

This happens at weddings all of the time! Guests are so excited to be there, and there are so many pictures that I see, where there are lots of guests have their faces behind a camera, and it makes me sad. I know everyone carries a camera now-a-days, and of course everyone wants to have a wonderful photo to remember the day.... but like a Photographer Friend of mine said once, during the best moments of the day, all they see are a sea of camera's in a crowd and no ones face.

And I can't help but feel a little bad for the couple because you can't actually see your guests and their emotions and people aren't actually participating they are too busy documenting. I really wish folks would put them down for most of the day and really spend their time with their friends, family and the couple.

They have already paid a very expensive photography really good money to run around, take photos and do the "heavy lifting", and most of the time they'll even be happy to take photos for the guests if they want special groupings or portraits.

Just a thought.

{Last 2 images by: Scott Chester}

Big Super Secret Project...

I know I've been teasing you about this for WAY toooooo long now, but I promise it's coming!

Here are some hints:

1. It's a fun project that's never been done before (that I know of)
2. It's taking a team of people to get it done
3. I am finding that I make all sorts of funny faces
4. It's taking longer than I anticipated

Any guesses?????

(but if you are at all involved in the project and mention anything, I will poke you with a sharp fork!)

Mad Cookies!

I found these adorable cookies at Mad Baker! Gosh, she is talented!!!

Just thought I'd share!

$1500 and Runs!

I was on my way home from work yesterday and I saw this truck, and a sign that said:

$1500 - Runs!

And it got me thinking, it's the same thing with wedding planning - you can pay $1500 for a "truck that runs" or a wedding consultant that isn't necessarily in running order maybe she doesn't knowt he ropes, hasn't been in business very long, has only planned one wedidng, namely her own - or just honestly doesn't know the business quite as well as another that might cost double, but RUNS... and I mean that in more ways than one!

I had a new bride come into my office the other day, and she said that it was the right time to get out of the contract she was in with another planner. Apparently that planner - left the company she was with and disappeared - like a magician!

That's not fair to the bride, - so make sure you know that the person you are working with is reputable, has a solid contract, and isn't going to leaving you hanging (or broken down on the side of the road!)

Working Bees!

A dear friend of mine Kathy from KB Kakes is the hardest working Pastry Chef I know! Not only does she work HARD, she takes care of her amaizng family, designs incredible cakes, started a new blog, and seriously treats all of her clients like gold! How could you go wrong!

And now, she out does herself, again! She has started working with a charity helping SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Little Bits of Honey is a charity that helps research SIDS and the costs associated with the terrible Syndrome! She made this cake for their Annual Fundraising Dinner.

Isn't Kathy's Little Bits of Honey Cake amazing!!! Seriously, how stinkin' cute are those bees!

They beautiful and very talented Kathy!

Kathy with Urban Meyer and Billy Donovan and her cake! (Yes, she rocks like that!)

All Photo's taken by: The Photo Mates

Like Sand Through The HourGlass

Just like sand through and hour glass, these are the days of my life. Weddings are the days of my life!

I started my company in 1996 (gosh, really... that long ago...hmph!) Now, I feel really old! But anyway, back to the hourglass.

I realized that a lot of time has gone by and I've told you very little about my own wedding. There are things that I wished I'd have done differently and things that I am so glad that we did do.

My husband and I were High School Sweethearts (yeah, get the ooooh and ahhhhh's out of your system!) So when we got married, which we did young - I had a very good idea of what I wanted. I mean, heck, I'd been planning this day since I was 5 years old playing with Barbie and Ken.

But then real life.... this thing is going to cost money, lots and lots of money.. so somethings had to be set aside. But a girl has priorities -

John and I wanted great food and great wine! I wanted big flowers, I mean really big flowers. (Don't laugh, that was in then, I promise!)

One thing, that we loved was that we had extra food brought out at the end of the reception, that was a big deal to my husband, knowing that people were going to drink... so having extra food available wound up to be the best decision we made!

One thing I regret, not having a professional photographer there on our wedding day, we just couldn't afford a good one, so we didn't do it. But looking back, those images would have been priceless!!! Seriously, priceless! We only have one good picture of us on our wedding day, and none of us and our families!

More Details on Our Wedding, tomorrow!

Words are Worth 1,000 Words!

Have you checked out Wordle? I had so much fun plugging in a bunch a words and having it show me a fun collage of everything I feel MasterPiece Weddings represents!

Give it a try!

New Favorite Thing!

For those of you who don't know my sister and I have an obsession (for me other than all things wedding).

Both of us adore all things Candy! Seriously, Chocolate, Sour, Sweet, Tart, Creamy, Gummy (especially Gummy!). We find fun new candies and call each other to report.

So, you know I must have died and gone to heaven when I found the Candy Blog!!! I have spent hours (don't tell my husband) but seriously HOURS pouring over this blog making notes on what new and foreign candies to buy!

You've gotta check out The Candy Blog!

Holly and Jason's Wedding!

Holly and Jason are the epitome of Love!! I've known Holly for more than 5 years now, and I've never seen someone so in love! They are beautiful together and compliment each other perfectly!

Holy and Jason got married 3 weeks ago in the Gardens of Kanapaha, everything was perfect!

Thanks Holly and Jason for allowing us to be apart of your beautiful wedding! It was our honor!!!

Deep Colors!

My dear friend Susan's daughter is getting married!!! Hooray!!!

Kristin's wedding is going to have shade's of the deepest teal you'd ever seen, and the deepest of deep burgandy!

I love it!!!

What do you think?

Awwwee!

We just got the sweetest Thank You note and Lovely Gifts from one of our clients - it made me tear up, yup, I am a sap!

Dear Melissa and Kristin,

We cannot even begin to adequately express our enormous appreciation for making our wedding day so absolutely perfect! It truly felt like a fairy tale – such a magical day! We could not have done it without you and we want you to know just how much it meant to us to have you there in Tampa with us, working so hard to coordinate and bring all the details together so beautifully. It could not have gone more perfectly and we owe that completely to you!!

Before we started planning our wedding we had no concept of how dramatically better everything could be with a wedding planner. We feel exceptionally blessed to have had your services and from here on out will be definitely recommending you to all of our engaged friends!!!

Thank you again for making, June 20, 2008 the most wonderful day of our lives!

So sweet, right?!?!?!  

That's why we do what we do!

Steel Gray and Yellow!

I met with a beautiful woman on Monday, Renee - and her colors are Steel Gray and Yellow, I think I am in love!!! I had to make this board the moment I spoke with her!

I think these are my new favorite!

What a Month!

I was just thinking that I am so glad- but sad, that June is over, and we can start a beautiful fresh new month!

We had 5 fantastic weddings in June, it was such an honor to be a part of these wonderful women, their families and their beautiful celebrations!

I wanted to share with you a few of the things that happened this month:

• A rental company never showed up with the chairs - we wound up having to head to our favorite hotel and begging to borrow chairs, luckily they came through like champs!!


• We sadly had a wedding called off - then I gave the bride some time to breathe - told her that I wouldn't do anything for 2 weeks, and voila, wedding was back on, and the ceremony was amazing!

• Bossy Intern Kristin did a wedding all by herself, and ROCKED it!!!

• OCD Melissa was able to let go enough for the above to occur! (that was a milestone!)

• We had the wrong color flowers delivered for a wedding, and the florist wound up spray painting the flowers... they were hot pink instead of burgundy!

• A photographer wanting to be the center of attention and attempting to take over the world!

• Melting Cheesecake inside! Cutting Scmuting, more like scooping!

And there's more that I can't even disuss on the blog.... and that's all in one month!

We did have some great experiences working with some pretty fantastical people like, Stewart Powers, K Gallery, Caroline Johnson, KB Kake Kreations, Ms. Debbie, Cakes by Jenny, Unforgettable Events, Pranges Florist, Celebrations Catering, The Hilton, Steve's, Solutions Entertainment, and Jay's Entertainment!

Thanks Guys for making our clients' dreams come true!

Brown and Blue - Last but not Least!

This is the last one, I promise, but here at MasterPiece Weddings, we can't get enough! Kristin did this one... now I have this craving for Chocolate and Tiffany's, I wonder why?

Cake, Mason Jars, Button Bouquet. Invitation, Coffee Bean Place Card Holders, Cigars, Padilla Cigars, Hialeah Photo By: Roy Llera Photography, Menu, Lisa Wong, Good on Paper Design, Pasadena Photo By: Ira Lippke Photography, Los Angeles, Bridal Party in Vintage Car, Photo By: Laura Esmond, Table Setting Photo by: Ben Quillinen Photography,

New Favorite!

Have you seen Southern Weddings Blog!!! It's my new favorite! You must add it your Google Reader, Favorites, Linkbacks, whatever you do, you've gotta do it now!

Great Weddings, Great Contests, Great Stuff.... check it out!

What I used in the Wedding Bag!

Our "What I used in the Wedding Bag" Series has moved to a more appropriate home, Be A Planner!

Be sure to check out Be A Planner for it's fun updates and great articles!

Hey, while you are thinking about it, add it to your Google Reader now!

Blue and Brown, Revisited

Christina in my office did this board! She has got the hang of this doesn't she!

This is for the fundraising event for Queen of Peace Academy and their colors are Blue and Brown, this is one of our inspirations another next week, whattcha think?

Sources:M&Ms, French macaroons, Cappuccino, Shoe, Welcome bag, Suit, Cootie catcher,
Favor gift cards, Motorcycle, Cupcakes, Chocolates, Brown dress

Cake Week has come to a Close

How fun has Cake Week been!

Here at the office we are on a total sugar rush!

If you need more cake, check out Let's Eat Cake! we feature a new cake with every post!

KB Kake Week!

I personally feel we saved the best for last!!! Kathy and Erika from KB Kake Kreations are some of the most fantastic people - PERIOD... but really are the best you will/can work with in the Gainesville wedding industry.

Not only do they make gorgeous cakes, but they are also super sweet themselves. Their specialty cakes will make your wedding memorable! They can customize anything your little heart desires and are always open to new ideas! The groom’s cakes are always a hit.

The signature (and most popular) flavors at KB Kake Kreations are Signature Wedding White with Raspberry filling and The Chocolate Truffle with Ganache. Both of which are oh so tasty!

Although these are their most popular combinations, you can create your own dream cake from a variety of flavors.

Not only are these cakes a looker…but they taste amazingly delicious too! Kathy only accepts one wedding per weekend, so be sure to reserve your date as soon as possible, she fills up fast!

To learn more about KB Kake Kreations, visit their new and improved website and brand spaking new blog.


Thank you Kathy and Erika for allowing us to feature you in MasterPiece Weddings Cake Week 2008!
{written mostly by Bossy Intern Kristin}

Summer Lovin'

My sister just sent me some pictures of my nieces! And they are just too adorable, so I had to share!

{Peyton with her shades ready for the pool}

{Sydney thinks the water's just fine}

{Peyton is all too pretty in her dress}

So sorry for the wedding interruption, but I thought those were too fun to not share them with you!

More Cake Week!

Cakes by Jenny is actually one of the first cake company I worked with as a Wedding Planner in Gainesville!- 13 years ago!! She is amazing! These pictures don't even do her justice!!!

She is thoughtful and meticulous, and she'll do anything you need! In fact, I remember a time, a client of mine was trying to figure out what to do for a grooms cake, and we started talking about things he liked, her list included: Watching TV, playing basketball and drinking beer, I suggested a replica of HIS chair, and Jenny came up with this:

Jenny even does Cheesecake Wedding Cakes! Her cakes are delicious and beautiful - she even opened up a little dessert bakery in Downtown Gainesville! So if you are ever in the area, check out Cakes!

Ritzy Wedding!

I was listening to my favorite radio station today 106.9 WKZY and Jack Weston does this hilarious thing called Dating Dictionary and this morning I pee'd my pants when I heard:

Cheese Whiz Wedding - A wedding so tacky, classless, tasteless and gaudy that it can only be described as 6 inches of spray-can cheese on a soggy Ritz Cracker.

Thanks for the laugh, Jack Weston!

Cake Week!!!

This week is so fun! I hope you are enjoying Cake Week as much as we are around here! I think just checking out these images are giving us all a sugar rush around here at MasterPiece Weddings!

This next Pastry Chef is new to our area, we are all swooning over her cakes! And trust me they taste as good as they look, which is a huge plus!

Posh Pastry is new to the area, but taking it by storm! She is competing in Let's Eat Cake! Which I am personally very excited about. Aren't her cakes beautiful!

Contact Update

If you haven't been able to reach us using the email address on our "Contact Page" of our website.... well, that's because the email address was linking incorrectly.

It's fixed! Hooray!

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you!