Elope!

I feel like the word Elope is almost considered a dirty 4-letter word in the wedding industy. It really shouldn't be. But it's almost frowned upon.

Not by me, mind you.

But really, my clients almost whisper to me, I think we should consider an elopement... in a hush tone.

Honestly, if eloping is right for you, do it!

And if you do it like this, do it right NOW!

I've known Lisa for a long time, and I've known Jeff even longer. I love them, and seeing them happy and together is a perfect fairy tale ending (or is it, begining) for me!


Lisa & Jeffrey's NYC Elopement ! from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

I Do!

So, I love Colbie Calliat, I just do... and when I heard this song, I knew it would be a winner for a wedding, and for me to play over and over and over again.

But really, what a great first dance, or a cake cutting, or introduction song, maybe even a recessional song.

Brides Florida - Cake

I do enjoy looking through wedding magazines. Really, I do.

Then again, I do like to critique them as well. There are something things that these magazines say, advertise, suggest, send subliminal messages on, write stories on, that I don't agree with. But then again we are all entitled to our opinion.

With that said, this season's issue of Brides Florida was really good. I enjoyed it.

There was one article that stood out to me.

It was about cake. (I love cake...don't tell...)

It was this article:

Yes, I for real ripped it out of the magazine!


And only because, that Black and White cake... I've seen something similar.

Photo by Footstone Photography

Ms. Debbie, in Gainesville, Florida made a similar cake.

And the reason I bring this up, and I think that these prices that they have listed, are quite dependent on where you live. New York, Miami, and Small Town, USA all have different pricing.

The flavor the cake, the quality of the fillings, the number of teirs.... all play a roll. The design as well, and I get that, really I do. But I think that some of these prices may scare brides away from using a local, amazing baker. And then they run to a grocery store chain and think they've saved a bundle - when in fact, a lot of the time the prices may not save them money. And may compromise the quality of the cake.

Stepping off my soap box.

Make Your Own Magic Shell

I love Steamy Kitchen, I love Jaden Hair... there I said it.

Now you know.

I bought her book. I met her in person. I follow her on twitter. I make her recipes. Frankly, I think she is gorgeous and super cool. This is border-line stalking. I know.

But, when I saw this link on her blog.. I knew I had to share. Because really, who doesn't love them some Magic Shell. And if you don't know what Magic Shell is... get out from under the rock.

And this recipe, from Eat The Love and their new recipe by photo's is awesome.

Love!

Spoiled Mutt

For those of you that know me, know I love my dog. Bellini is a great addition to our family, so when I ran across this Spoiled Mutt I knew I had to sign up! Immediately!

I am not a fan of having my picture taken... but you can take pictures of my kid and my dog all day!

And how about these?

Seriously, fantastic!

These "mutts" are too cute!

Are you Happy?

In the stress of everyday life, not just in planning a wedding - life can be complicated, stressful. You need to take time out, and ask yourself, Am I Happy?

Sometimes the answer is complicated. Whether the answer is yes or no, the yes can be complicated or the no can be ridiculously complicated. But I think this simple puzzles helps answer the question.

If you're not happy it's selfless to do something about it. (did you hear me, selfless not selfish!!!)

Stepping off my soap box. Thanks for listening.

(sorry I don't know where this image came from, I think I found it on Twitter forever ago and saved it to my desktop... if you know where it came from, let me know so I can give proper credit where it is due.)

Gainesville Indian Wedding

There are not too many weddings throughout the year for us that are 5-Days long, and include ceremonies and events for each of those days, however, Haritha and Peter's wedding included so much more us than ceremonies, it became a friendship during the planning, and we shared our lives during the year plus, and frankly, I had the best time working with her and her family on her wedding, I'd do it over again in a heart beat. (although, can we wait a few more months so I can recuperate)

Verve Studio was there with us for the majority of each event and captured the emotion the beauty and tradition so beautifully!

The Mehndi was gorgeous! Naza Designs in Pensacola was incredible! (Link below)

These shoes make me drool.

Aren't they going to make gorgeos babies!!!

More of the ceremony and receptions tomorrow!

Wedding Consultant & Planning Team:  Masterpiece Weddings
Transportation: Candies Limo
Photography: Verve Studio

Mehndi & Eidurukola Ceremony Venue: UF Hilton
Wedding Venue: Hippodrome State Theatre
Mandap, Lighting & Reception Decor: Keith Watson Productions
Hair: Graceful Strands
Makeup: Cliff Weir at Your Wedding Makeup
Henna Artists: Naza Design
Catering: Amrit Palace
Cake Artist: Dream Day Cakes
Live Cocktail Music: Gosia & Ali
Reception DJ: Jarad of Gnys Entertainment
Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History on UF Campus
Cinematographers: Platinum Digital Video

What will your Wedding Say about You?

So I got a package in the mail that totally caught my attention, it was a large brown package with "Mab Libs" style fill in the blank everything! And I loved it! I emailed the owner of the company immediately told him that I loved him, his product, and I wanted to marry him. And thus begins my love affair with Write on Riot. Their website is under construction... so be patient, but their product will have you laughing until you pee yourself.

Fair warning, I wrote the below card on a sample I was sent, this is my handwriting, my words, my reeeedikulousness... don't judge a company by my dorkyness.

Now I'll turn my blog over to Rob Dalton, the owner of Write on Riot.

Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re somewhere between dreaming about your future wedding and putting the finishing touches on the smallest details of your big day.


For most brides and couples, personalization is the most important aspect of the planning process. You want your wedding and reception to be creative, special and uniquely… well… you.

So, what if an element of your reception could truly be one-of-a-kind? What if your guests were part of the creativity and fun? And, what if a reception could be a lot more awesomtastic (word used with permission, 2011 Melissa DiStefano) for not a lot more money? That’s what we asked ourselves when we created our fill-in-the-blank Wedding Reception Wish Cards.

Write On Riot™ is a new company dedicated to celebration, belonging and fun. Our Wish Cards are a way for your guests to tell you how much they love you in their own personal (and often hilarious) way. The header of each card says, To the happy couple, on this special day I wish for you… (followed by) enough ___________ to last a lifetime, a love like the song __________, in-laws that never __________, excitement like the movie _______, good health so you can still _________ when you’re 100, and more.

Every completed card is a unique expression of belonging and love. Your college roommate will fill in the blanks in a completely different way than, say, your Aunt Helen will. The answers are sweet, funny, thoughtful and always personal.

How Wish Cards can start your reception on a fun note: Place one Wish Card at each reception table place setting. (It’s a good idea to buy fresh pens and leave one for every two guests at each table as well.) Most of your guests will fill out their Wish Cards right away because they’re fun and they’re great conversation starters.

Your wedding planner (ahem, hire MasterPiece Weddings) or attendant can collect the cards and pens before dinner is served, and store them for you in a safe place. Make it a keepsake. The cards can be inserted into a photo album made for 4" by 6" photos. Some couples place each Wish Card across from a photo of the guest who filled it out.

Skip the Guest Book and find out what your guests really want to tell you on your special day. Wish Cards cost just $7 for a pack of 25. There are four designs to choose from, and three colors of each design. You can buy Wish Cards at writeonriot.com/wedding as well as our fun, fill-in-the-blank shower invitations.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

(PS - Be on the lookout for a giveway and a discount code exclusive to MasterPiece Weddings!!!)

MasterPiece Weddings was in no way compensated for this post, we just love this company and wanted to share the awesomeness with you. Because we like to share cool things with our readers not because we were compensated in anyway.

My Mojuba

I would love to say that I know everything about everything weddings. And I would love to say that I know everything and every vendor that pops up online, every minute of every day, but I would be exaggerating. Slightly.

But, I recently found out about this awesome fun new site called My Mojuba - its' super fun! They specialize in emergency kits for the bride and groom! That are super swank, totally useful!

Now, keep in mind, that on your wedding day, I'll have my Wedding Emergency Bag with everything you could possibly need... but what about your bridal shower, or bachelorette party, or just everyday in general... I mean geez you never know when you'll need tissues stain removal kit, nail files, polish, or shoe shine or a shave kit!

And for a limited time, use the code KISSME at checkout for $25 off your purchase at My Mojuba.

(MasterPiece Weddings was not in any way paid for this post, we wanted to mention this product to you because we think it's cool and it's something you can definitely use, not because we were compensated in anyway)

Real Simple Weddings - Spring 2011

I was sent a copy of Real Simple Weddings to review, in all honestly, they sent me this magazine for free, so that I could tell you my thoughts and opinions of it. Honest. Thoughts and opinions.

And I hope you know, by now, that you come to our blog for real, honest, and heart felt advice and opinions on all things weddings.

And frankly, I love Real Simple, I buy (like pay for, with real money) their cookbooks, magazines, love their website and tips, follow them on twitter...but I was left a little, well, underwhelmed with this issue.

The cover is gorgeous, and the shoes are frankly, amazing. I want a pair in all colors. But inside is a lot of the same as last year. In fact, a lot of the same images, and articles. I would think that a new season would bring, new ideas, new cakes, new bouquets and new gowns, but this was just a lot of the same as the issue before. I mean the exact same images. Strange, right.

It was also filled with a ton of new information and new ideas, which I love. But I was left a little sad that they couldn't feature a new cake, or a new table number idea. If you are going to roll an idea over from another season, my feeling is to wait at least a few seasons.

I know there are new brides everyday, people get engaged by the dozens hourly... so this magazine may not look like a re-run to a lot of brides, but some may feel the same way I do.

What do you think?

Ashley and Jordan - Again

Jordan and Ashley Wedding from Parallel Media on Vimeo.

There were so many amazing details from this wedding, and Drew from Parallel Media did such a great a job capturing the emotion of the day.

So many brides these days are opting out of video because they feel the photographs can capture the emotions, and frankly they can capture some of it. But that hug your Grandfather gives you and whispers in your ear how much he loves you and how proud he is of you... isn't caught in still images the same way.

Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Pink and Brown Wedding

Ashley and Jordan were just one of those couples that I knew instantly I would love. And I had the honor and privledge of writing a ceremony for them, and officiating their beautiful Gainesville Wedding.

Caroline Johnson photographed this beautiful wedding, that would make any gal swoon! Ashley tied in modern elegance with a classic twist. And it turned out beautiful!

And a huge Thank You to Every Last Detail for featuring our wedding!!!!

What do you think?

Wedding Planner: MasterPiece Weddings
Florals and Linens: The Unforgettable Event
Ceremony Venue: The Baughman Center
Reception Venue:Plantation Hall at Haile
Photography: Caroline Johnson
Video: Parallel Media, CO
Catering: Dragonfly
Cake: KB Kakes

Love Wedd Party!

Are you going to be there? The Love Wedd:: A Love Affair party is Thursday!

I can't wait, it's going to be so much fun, come, drink,eat, and dance with us!

Run out of Food

Worst case scenario, you run out of food at your reception. Whether you are serving cake and champagne, small plates, stations, full sit down dinner, or a buffet, the last thing you want is for your guests to leave hungry.

One way to avoid this is to be clear with your caterer as to your expectations, "Hey, Mr. or Mrs. Caterer, our guests are expecting a full meal, and they eat, so make sure we don't run out of food!"

Sometimes you look a quote for a caterer and notice the prices are pretty low, sometimes too good to be true. And that's because you are expecting a full dinner and they are pricing the meal out as light hors devours.

This would not a good scenario for anyone. So remember to be clear. 50% of your budget will be spent on food, you should get what you are paying for.

Get-a-Way Wedding!

Um,mmmmmm! Helllllooooo, I wanna go! What a deal!

Or if you want to get married, an all inclusive deal:

MasterPiece Weddings was not paid or endorsed in anyway for this promotion - but for the record, I'd love to go on a trip to Bimini Bay.

Valentines Sweets!

The perfect sweets for your sweetie! KB's now famous Kake Truffles are being offered when you order flowers from Prange's Florist and The Plant Shoppe!

And as always you can order these amazing confections from Dorn's Wine Warehouse. Or KB can ship them anywhere in the United States!

So, now there are no excuses as to why you can't have these yummylicious treats for your yummylicious valentine!

Love Affair

Are you ready to party? After all this planning, details, and vendor selection, and planning (did I mention planning?) You deserve a party!

Love Wedd is hosting a party, a super fun night, filled with food, dancing, entertainment, and THOUSANDS of dollars worth of prizes!!

And it's free! You just need to contact Love Wedd for tickets. For more events hosted by Love Wedd check out our FaceBook Page.

Wedding First Look

One of the biggest debates for today's bride is to see her groom before the wedding or not to see him. For some it's an unequivocal no. And for others, it's a wellllllllllll, maybe, I'm not sure, what difference will it make, no, yes, wait I'm not sure.

I am not here to tell you to do it, or not to do it, but to tell you the pro's to having a "first look". And of course show you some pretty images from a first look.

My personal feelings on a first look is DO IT! Don't even think about it, do it. (Unless you feel like a bazillion years of bad luck will fall on you like a brick wall, and you will never see straight again if you see your groom before you walk down the aisle)

There is alot of emotion on your wedding day, and alot of that emotion and stress comes from not seeing your groom, your best friend, the man you've relied on your whole relationship. So the opportunity to spend 15 minutes before your wedding with him, holding him, in private, being able to look him in the eyes and see the man you love, kiss him, and tell him how handsome he looks, is a special moment. One you will never forget.

And make your day, so much more fun! And you'll get some great picture time!

Images by Jimmy Ho

Tassimo Winner!!!

Okay, so after a busy week, I wanted to announce the winner of the Tassimo T20! I figured since I announced the drawing on video, I should announce the winner on video!

{Excuse the exhausted look, I have been up and working since 5AM, and it's now 7PM...and I don't have on any makeup, and look re-donky-donnk,.... plus I didn't think you'd all care, since you all just want to see who won, right...}

So watch the video and see already!

Bridal Nesting Labs: Tassimo T20 Review

turn the volume up...

Check out the video review of  the Tassimo T20! We had such a fun time reviewing this awesome machine! We made Tea, Latte's, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate! Each drink takes less than 3 minutes.

If you are making coffee Christmas Morning for 20 people this is not the machine for you. But if you want a quick cup of Joe, or you want to make a Latte for yourself, a decaf for your husband, and a regular cup for your brother... this is perfect!

Our biggest flaw was that I couldn't find the pods to make the drinks locally, we had to buy them on Amazon, but they were cheaper than if we could... so that's a plus!

And if you want your own Tassimo T20, along with Coffee Pods and Cappicuno Pods... all you have to do is comment on this post!

Contest Rules:

1. Comment on this post with your favorite coffee.

2. Winners must live within the US (sorry International friends)

3. Contest Deadline is January 14th at midnight

4. Winner (one winner) will be drawn randomly

In the interest of full discretion, the Tassimo machine was sent to me for free to review on my blog. However, the reviews and opinions of MasterPiece Weddings are completely our own, and do not reflect the views of any other.

Introducing Nest Labs!

MasterPiece Weddings is thrilled to announce that we are opening our a lab! We will be testing some of the best gadgets in the entire world! (slight exaggeration)

So, if you have a product you want our experts to test, and review right here on Adventures in Wedding Planning... let me know! I'd love the opportunity to take a peek at your product, gadget, or future wedding registry item!

Tomorrow one of our favorite reviews yet... on video!

Gainesville Wedding Expo!

It's that time of year, when all the brides who are planning their weddings come to The Performing Arts Center to find the most incredible wedding vendors! I know you are dying to know when, and how you can win door prizes from over 40 vendors... plus... win a $2500 planning package from MasterPiece Weddings!

So here are the deets:
Sunday, January 9, 2011 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Tickets are: $10.00 Advance; $12.00 At Door

You have a Once in a Lifetime Chance to Plan Your Dream Wedding in One Day, under one roof, at the beautiful Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Experience a Gainesville Tradition at an Extraordinary Venue!

Consult with Over Forty of Our Area’s Finest Wedding Professionals, Enjoy Delicious Samples, Register for Prizes and experience a fun-filled Runway Fashion Show presented exclusively by Jay’s Bridal. Relax and Be Entertained in the comfort of an 1,800 seat Theater.

This is The Bridal Event that’s as Exciting as the Venue.

Save $2.00. Pre-Register And Purchase Tickets and for more information, please visit Gainesville Wedding Expo.

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

I hope you have something spectacular planned for Christmas! I think Christmas Eve has become by favorite holiday. I know it sounds silly, because really it should be Christmas, and it used to be. I mean the hub-bub, and waking up early cuz Santa came!Santa came! And the jumping on the bed to wake everyone in the house up at 6AM and my parent stumbling to make coffee just to stick toothpicks in their eyes while my sister and I hustle and bustled to tear everything open faster than my parents could stir cream into their coffee.... that part will always hold a special place in my heart.

Me and my sister dancing circa 1983ish

BUT....

Christmas Eve.

Now that is holiday that I am loving.

And here is why.

Bad Picture we took while everyone was eating and mid conversation

Friends and family gather at our house for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This is my 17th year enjoying this tradition. We've added some new recipes and made it our own, but the Itailian Feast of the Seven Fishes is so much fun to prepare. We always set the menu earlier in the month, and John and I prep and cook and plan this amazing meal to share with our friends and family.

There's no stress, no hustle and bustle. Just a meal, some prayer, some wine (there's always wine), fun conversations over new recipes and old.

And then at midnight we go to church, sing, and then at the end, wish each other a Merry Christmas. And go to bed remembering what The Holidays are all about.

I think it's the tradition of it all, something I can pass down to Gabriel, and something he can carry on to his family.

And I love it!

If you are curious as to what the Seven Fishes is all about here goes:

The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the medieval Roman Catholic tradition of abstinence—in this case, refraining from the consumption of meat or milk products—on Fridays and specific holy days. As no meat or butter could be used, observant Catholics would instead eat fish, typically fried in oil.


There are many hypotheses for what the number "7" relates to, one being the number of Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Another theory is that seven is a number representing perfection: the traditional Biblical number for divinity is three, and for Earth is four, and the combination of these numbers, seven, represents God on Earth, or Jesus Christ.

Or the Seven Deadly Sins, the seven days of the week... or just cuz someone long ago thought 7 was a good round number.

Either way-

Merry Christmas!