Flowerless Bouquets

These bouquets would certainly last much longer than traditional flowers, and they are so sparkly and glamourous!  This one is made of vintage jewelry.

Via Bunches of Bliss

 Feathers, swavorski crystals, and pearls.

Via LovelyBlossom

And how fun is this - colorful pinwheels!

Via rule42

Brazilian Blowout

Okay, so here is my hair on a day with no product, no nothing. This is what my hair would look like if I rolled out of bed and went some where... which by the way, wouldn't EVER happen... I mean, ewwww. Gross.

Never. People would run screaming... run in the other direction. Screaming. I mean really, how not fair is my hair. Lots of Running. Lots of Screaming.

But if I did. This is what it would look like:

Pretty incredibly NOT awesome.

What's the opposite of sexy hair??? Unsexy... yeah, that's my hair. Ghetto? Yes. Definately Ghetto-Gross!

Why would any one this earth think that it would look good to go out into public with this head of hair. They wouldn't. I wouldn't, ever, never. Never. And all that grey! Where in the world did that come from!!!!

So, I decided to get the Brazilian Blowout (which by the way, everytime I say it, it sounds a little dirty) and honestly if you are considering one, go to Glenda at Creations. She will rock your hair world!

Check out what she with my mop! My mop of a head...

And, I've already washed it and styled it and I love it!! I think that anyone who lives in Florida, and has any kind of frizz to their hair should do this! Get a Brazillian Blowout!

I feel like I have sexy hair!

I love it! Thank you Glenda at Creations!!

KB Giveaway!!!

KB is working on a Very Special Secret Project and their first reveal will be a giveaway. This giveaway is strictly for vendors and Business Owners.


So, if you want a chance to see whats been going on in the KB Kakery… then simply submit your logo, and or signature, for a chance to see KB’s New Secret Project.

And knowing KB, it is going to be pretty and sweet! And delicious! And yummy! And fun! {That's lots of ands...}

Hint: It is a Petite Sweet!

Please email your logo to info {at} kbkakes {dot} com by November 15th for a chance to see what KB has been up to.

Orange and Blue done classy!

Intern Heather's inspiration board for a client's upcoming wedding! A subtle and classy take on orange and blue.  What do you think?

Photo credit: Shoes, Bridesmaid dress, Bride, Invitation, Earrings, Lanterns, Drinks

Love Wedd

Have you been to this amazing Gainesville boutique? It's called Love Wedd, and it's seriously awesometastic!!

There are several vendors to peek at, check out their work, pick up cards, chat with, all in one space! Here's whattcha gotta do.

Step 1: Drive to Haile Plantation, and visit Love Wedd.

Step 2: Ask the receptionist for a tour of Love Wedd

Step 3: Go into Love Wedd, look around, take samples.

Step 4: Take your time visiting the Love Wedd boutique.

And that's it!

You can practically plan your whole wedding in one room! Solutions Bridal, Footstone Photography, Gnys Entertainment, MasterPiece Weddings, Dream Day Cakes, Unique Designs, Sweetwater Branch Inn....and so many more!

So, moral of the story, go visit Love Wedd!!

Oh The Places We Went

These shoes were definately not made for walking. In fact, they are what I have dubbed my "Wedding Shoes". I have found over the years, that I must have comfy shoes for working weddings. Otherwize, there is no walking at all the day after a wedding. And then my back is killing me, and then John can't stand to hear me moan and groan... so I wear something cute for the ceremony, and then the wedding shoes come into play for the remainder of the wedding...

And these shoes, these, right here...

Yes, those are holes on the bottom of the soles.

It was a silly emotional thing for me to come to the realization that I must toss these shoes, and I could have should have thrown them out months ago, because they really had, had enough. But I couldn't. They had to see me through the remainder of our season. I mean, really, these shoes had seen alot of emotion, they had been with me through alot.

63 Weddings.

These shoes made it through 63 weddings with me. That's a lot of I Do's. A lot of running, a lot of miles of running around, a heckuvalot of secret missions, love notes, emergencies, tears, sweat, and maybe even some blood, but really... just plain a lot of stuff.

So they had to see me through the rest of our season. Had to. Must.

And now that our season is over until January (I'm sad, but also kind of glad, we needed a mini break, and the holidays are coming up... so it's fambly time).

But these shoes had to see me though Ashley and Jordan's wedding to successfully finish their mission. And they did.

And I am proud of them. I'm proud of us, and our team!

John asked me if I was going to bronze them. Sort of silly... although I did consider it.

And honestly, just thinking about the last 63 weddings makes me a bit emotional. I started wearing them before I had Gabriel, before I knew I was pregnant. Why, in the world did I wear them so long? Its not like  I couldn't afford new shoes... nostaglia maybe? Comfort? Lazy?

So, now on the new shoes. New love. New weddings. New beginings.

Brazilian Blowout

Normally, on a regular day, you've probably seen me looking like this, my hair is naturally curly, so I just toss some product in it, and throw it back. It's easy, really easy, and looks like this (not too bad, right... I mean, it doesn't look ghetto, right?):

 

When I have some time, I can blow dry dry it straight, it takes 40 minutes, can still be frizzy, needs lots of products, and looks like this:

Sometimes I actually wear my hair curly and down. The problem is that it's crunchy and untouchable. Kind of kinky, sometimes it looks good, sometimes it curls whack and just looks funky. Like this:

(by the way, this was Halloween, we don't normally dress G up as a Giraffe)

So, why all this talk about my crazy hair?

Well, my friend Glenda at Creations asked me if she could do a Brazilian Blowout on me, I am not one to have anything done to my hair without really thinking about it. I mean, sheesh, I didn't even have my hair colored until about a year ago, so this would be a huge decision for me.

Here were my thoughts:

"You have very frizzy hair Melissa, you should get it done, I mean, think about the research side of it, if you have a Brazilian Blowout done, in Gainesville, you can be a tremendous assett to your clients if they have questions about having a Brazilian Blowout done...."

"Why not, what will it hurt, you can still wear your hair curly if you want to, you'll be able to step out of the shower, and not have a big frizz ball on your head.... but what if you look like you have no volume... but no frizz... but what if... okay shut up and trust Glenda!"

Soooo... tomorrow, the decision and the results.

What would you do?

Princess Pink

You want to feel like a princess on your wedding day, you want it to be romantic and inviting, how's this for Romantic and Princess'y!

(Great Job, Lizzie!!)

Sources: Hand holding, Sign,  Party Favor, Table Setting, Cake Topper,  Bride, Flowers


Invitation: http://mydresswedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Cinderella-Sprinkled-with-Stardust1.gif



Boutonniere: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UD3zQRbS1Pg/SvH6wAA5N-I/AAAAAAAAAiY/pJBdb37DJEM/Pink+Bout+w+Hypericum+Berry.JPG

Sweet Deals Continue!

There are so many ways you can personalize your wedding, unique favors, beautiful custom invitations, gorgeous floral arrangements, or a super awesome monogram to use on your invitations, seals, your cake, napkins, thank you cards, a bazillion different ways, and you know how I love me some monograms!

Leslie Vega Invitations and Stationary is giving away a free custom monogram!! Head over to her blog and comment here and you could win your own custom monogram!!!

Sweet Deals

Jemma Coleman just renovated her website and blog, and it's seriously adorable! (just like her!) you must head over and check it out!

We are so excited for Jemma and her new location in West Palm and Jupiter, so if you are getting married anywhere in Florida, especially South Florida... please call her!

So, head over to her website and check out her work!

And while you are there, check out the sweet deals she is offering on her photography!!!

Country Wedding

 

Intern Heather made another amazing inspriation board!

What do you think?

Photo credit: Bridesmaids, Haybales, Barn, Pies, Sign, Bride and Groom, Menu, Cows

Tip on Tipping

I've been asked a lot lately about tipping. and who to tip and how much...and do I have to, is it a must???

All of these are good legitimate questions. And here is the answer.

Yes. 20%ish. No. No.

That's the short and sweet of it.

Here are the details. You should tip anyone that does a professional service for you for your wedding. That includes any professional. And if they do an above average job for you. If the professional that is working for you royally screws up, no-tip-for-them!

The average tip about in about 20%, but it does depend on the level of your service, was it good or great? Did they exceed your expectations? If so, show them. Thank them, with a tip.

You don't have to tip, but it is a nice thank you, so when working up your budget add a bit for your professional vendors. Keeping in mind that some gratuities may already be included in some invoices for your vendors.

Did you add tips into your budget?

Vote!

Today is our day take advantage of all of the opportunites we've been given, so many people have given up so much for the freedoms we take advantage of everyday.

I know that we are all sick of the phone calls during dinner, the postcards that have litered our mail boxes, the television ads, the signs on the side of the road, the billboards.... all of the attack ads.

All of the ends today, but its your turn to speak your mind and vote! I don't care who you vote for, (well, I kind of do) but either way, go out there and make stuff happen, vote! Speak your mind!

On a Stick

After playing dress-up in the PhoBooth at Ms. Debbie's a few weeks ago, these mustaches and lips on a stick would definitely make for a lot of fun at a reception!

Photo via Maro Kits

Photo via Carl Zoch

Too funny!

(MasterPiece Weddings and its affiliates have not been paid for, for this post.)

Like PB and J

Etsy is the best, because shops like GardenArts make amazing cake toppers like this one! The Peanut Butter and the Jelly are getting married!!! It just doesn't get any cuter.

If you have a cute cake topper, we wanna see it! Please email it to melissa {at} masterpieceweddings {dot} net

(MasterPiece Weddings and its affiliates have not been paid for, for this post.)

Monday Funday!

Just thought we'd give you something to make you smile on this beautiful Manic Monday!

Love Wedd is here!

It's officially here! And we had the best time at the VIP Preview Party the other night! I know there will be professional pictures coming, but in the meantime, you'll have to deal with my pictures from my phone.

MasterPiece Weddings, is proud to be one of Gainesville's most sought after wedding planning firms, and even more honored to be apart of Love Wedd!



Everyone browsing and have a great time! Pretty, eh?



We aimed to keep it simple and elegant! Whattcha think?



So, next time you are in Haile, stop by the Love Wedd boutique and check out all of the amazing vendors in Love Wedd, your one stop shop for amazing vendors without having to let your fingers so the walking! And its' free!

Professional Referrals

Photo via SF Weekly

It's our job to make sure you get paired up with vendors that will work best with your personality and budget.

As a bride, you don't want to open up the yellow pages of the inter-webs and not know the reputation of a wedding professional, their price-points, or their personality. But we do. We know our cake bakers, photographers, floral designers, caterers, venues... go ahead quiz us!

When you come to visit our office, we'll sit down with you, really listen to your needs, wants, wishes, dreams and then give you 2 or 3 or more profesionals that we know and trust you'll love. Then it's up to you to study, do homework, check out their work and see what you think.

It's your wedding after all. And remember, some of those people will be in your face your whole wedding day, you and I want to make sure that you love them! All of them!

We'd be happy to make those decisions for you, but usually our clients want to know their vendors, feel comfortable sharing a cup of coffee with them.

I mean, it's your wedding. You should love every aspect of it!

Continue to Learn

I had an amazing opportunity to go to Orlando last week to attend a workshop held by The Association of Bridal Consultants. And I finally got to meet a long time friend, Mark Kingsdorf! One thing that was said by Mark Kingsdorf has stuck with me. And reigns true always.

Vendors drive Hot Dog carts, we are Wedding Professionals.

I think that will forever change the way I think. You, of course, want professionals at your wedding, and in the rare occurrence, maybe a Hot Dog Cart (and if that's the case I'll find you one...) But regardless, the people, the professionals that make your wedding dreams come true must be a professional.

You want an expert to handle your wedding, someone that is knowledgeable, reliable, honest, trustworthy. Not a vendor, a Professional.

(and if you want a Hot Dog Cart, I'll make sure they are professional)

10/10/10

So many couples chose October 10, 2010 for their anniversary, and really, what a fun date! It only comes up every 100 years, and really, isn't "the perfect 10" a great day to celebrate in triplicate!

We had two Gainesville Weddings on 10/10/10! They were both so unique and fun! We couldn't have asked for a better day! Normally we don't do more than one wedding in a day, but we loved them both so much we had to, there was no choice. Because, really, MasterPiece Weddings, has the best clients, ever.

Summer and Scott chose 10/10/10 because they are self professed nerds and 10-10-10 in binary is 42, which according to a popular book, is the answer to everything.

Super fun, no?

Anyway, ABC news came to interview them, as a suprise. (I knew, but I can keep a secret!)

Love Wedd

We are so honored and excited to be a part of Love Wedd! We are amongst some of the most incredible, professional, and bestest vendors around.  What is Love Wedd, you ask?

It is a bridal boutique...meaning it is like a store, in Haile Village Center in the same building as Footstone Photography, Adore Weddings and Events, and Unique Designs. The boutique will have a receptionist at the desk when you walk in the front door. Then you can browse the room and see displays featuring the work of some of Gainesville's top vendors.

To kick it all off, we are having a VIP Preview event that you will need to RSVP to. See the information below. To RSVP just go to the Facebook Event Page and click on "attending" to let us know that yes, you are interested in tasting cakes from Dream Day Cakes, eating some yummy food from Olive You Catering, seeing the amazing designs by Keith Watson Productions and The Grande Event, and meeting The Best Wedding Planner Ever MasterPiece Weddings! Also The Plant Shoppe will have some stunning flower arrangements on display. Of course, G-NYs Entertainment will be mixing it it up with REAL RECORDS. So come and see who the Love Wedd crew is.

Like the Facebook page and follow Love Wedd on Twitter!

(Disclaimer: The above text and photo were stolen from Platinum Digital Video's blog, not because we are plagiarists, but because imitation is the best form of flattery and we love Shena so so so much and we could not have said it any better than she did. So ground me, put me in the corner, take away the TV for a week, it's worth it, and plus I have an excuse, we are gearing up for a busy weekend and got lazy.)

If I could do it again...

(Source)

If I could get married again, I would certainly do TONS of small plates all night long! I'd love to do mini-grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, Risotto Balls, small bites of all of our favorite foods... really, just have tons of little bites all night.

And definitely, signature drinks. Maybe little ones.

What do you think?

Very special truffles

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and those affected by the disease,  head on over to Dorn's for some special kake truffles, made by KB Kakes! The truffles are available all October long!

You know we are big fans of Kake Truffles, and what better way to celebrate the awareness of a Breast Cancer than with something sinfully delicious! Plus, it's for charity, so the calories totally don't count.

Right?

If I did it again...

Photo Courtesty of The Knot

I think my next wedding (to my husband of course) would have to be planned around Peonies Season, my bouquet would certainly be a big puff ball of Peonies! All white of course.

What is your favorite flower for your wedding bouquet?

If I did it again....

I know you all know, that if I could marry my husband all over again, I totally would. And pretty much everything would be different.

Including the cake...

I love this!

(source: Style me Pretty)

But what flavors???

Happy Halloween!

Spooky Friends! (they are going to kill me for this)

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I know I'm mean! But doesn't Giovanni make a cute sort of wooly, sort of thing? And Kristin is adorable, even spooky! Love Amy's hair-do! And Katie, could NEVER look terrible! Ever!

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

Say it Sweetly

Last week, we loaded up on sugary goodness at Ms. Debbie's Sugar Art Say It Sweetly cake tasting event. 

Our favorite was definitely the Key Lime Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese filling. And trust me we ate our weight in cake!!

Platinum Digital Video captured all the fun! Check us out goofing off in the Phobooth photo booth!

(MasterPiece Weddings and its affiliates have not been paid for, for this post.)

Fall Faces

As the air turns slightly cooler, in our neck of the woods that means we are in the mid 80s. It's now time to put the white shoes away and time to transition to "Fall" make-up, and this got me thinking about bridal beauty for the season. 

I'm loving plum and deep fuschia lips, which pop against a neutral dress.

Via Brides.com

Via MAC

All-in-one kits in taupe palettes are great for easy touchups during the big day.

Via Bobbi Brown

Absolutely precious :)

Via Style Me Pretty

What would you wear to a Fall wedding?

(MasterPiece Weddings and its affiliates have not been paid for, for this post.)

Feathered friends

Here are three fabulous ways to incorporate feathers into your wedding:

1. Spice up a pair of otherwise plain heels.

Via sofisticata

2. Carry them down the aisle... so glamorous!

Via Karen Tran Florals

3. Send them via snail mail.

Via meant to be sent

(MasterPiece Weddings and its affiliates have not been paid for, for this post.)

If I could do IT again

I often talk about getting married again, well, not getting married to a different man...the same man, I love John, and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

But if we could do our wedding over again, what I would do differently... you know I'd hire a photographer, I've talked about that before.

But what about what I would wear?

Definately not WHAT I ACTUALLY wore... because that was anything but timeless... can you say helllllllllloooooooo 80's!

I mean, big, everything...

I'd probably be a two dress bride.

Maybe?