NEW BLOG SITE

Please Visit us at our Brand New Blog Site!!

www.wedinthecityblog.com

"Miss Bride in the City" ~ Erica

This week's featured bride is Miss Erica!! We cannot wait for her fabulous wedding at Casa Feliz in a couple of weeks. We are busy in the office finalizing all of her details and keeping her as stress free as possible! :) Her colors are blue, brown and burgundy and she and Chad are expecting around 90 guests (the perfect number according to Erica)

When did you get engaged? March 6, 2009

When is the Big Day? May 15, 2010

Who are the Wedding Vendors you have already decided to hire?

Photography: Leigh Taylor Photography

Catering: Arthur’s Catering

Cake: Anna Cakes

Florist: Carly Ane’s Floral Studio

DJ: White Rose Entertainment

Ceremony/ Cocktail Hour Music: Mark DeHaven, Guitarist

Officiant: Rev. Glynn Ferguson

Outdoor Lighting: Kaleidoscope Production Services

MakeUp: Meghann Davis

Seamstress: Jeanine

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

What is your venue and why did you choose it?

Chad and I were pretty particular about what we wanted in a wedding venue. I wanted something “vintage” with a little history and neither of us wanted it in a hotel or ballroom. We also wanted our wedding not to feel and look like every other wedding that we’ve been to. I was also very particular about the aesthetics. I refused to even consider a place that had parquet dance flooring or banquet chairs. Casa Feliz met all of our criteria and more.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Chad and I have been together for seven and a half years so I am excited for the entire day but especially the part where we say our vows to each other and thus become Husband and Wife, FINALLY! 

Are you keeping a wedding blog while you plan? Why is this helpful?

Yes I am! Who knows if anyone ever reads it but I blog, or try to blog weekly. I find it helpful because it keeps all my wedding ideas and thoughts in one place. It is also an easy way to keep our bridal party and parents up to date on what is going on with the planning.

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?

Rain! Our ceremony and reception are outdoors. I try not to think about it because I don’t have the weather reports for our day yet.

What is your wedding theme going to be? What inspired it?

Our Vintage theme is actually inspired by our venue, Casa Feliz. This historic house inspired everything from our wedding colors down to the smallest detail like our cake topper. This property is gorgeous and I didn’t want to take away from any of it so I deliberately tried to choose things that would compliment Casa Feliz.

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?

Aruba! A whole week of no email, work or phone calls. Heavenly!

What are some of your favorite wedding planning tools (websites, blogs, books, etc)?

The Knot’s Message Boards, Hot Pink Brides, Style Me Pretty and Ruffled.

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning? What are his jobs?

Yes, Chad, AKA “Corporate Approval” is involved in the planning. When I first started planning I thought I was going to do this all on my own but I found out relatively fast that he had opinions, especially about the cake topper. Who would of thought?! His only Solo jobs are setting up the Rehearsal Lunch and the honeymoon but he has been involved in helping to decide everything from vendors to wedding favors.

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their weddings?

Get organized, go with your gut and try to take things with a grain of salt. Notice how I say “try”. It is easier said then done and I have yet to master this but I’m still attempting to take my own advice.

Also, for your own sanity, get a Day of Coordinator. I don’t know what I would do without Ashlie. I didn’t plan on getting a “DOC” because I’m a control freak and thought I could do it all myself until I realized enjoying my own wedding day was more important than worrying about all the details and set-up. She is the Yin to my Yang and always calms me down when I’m having a crisis over candles or flowers. She has been an amazing help so far, becoming a really good friend, and worth every penny.

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony? Why or why not?

We are not a traditional couple so we are planning on doing a first look. I think the moment when you a couple sees each other for the first time, whether it be walking down the aisle or not, is personal and I didn’t want to share that with everyone. I wanted something just for us. I also anticipate that I am going to be a happy, but emotional train wreck, so I figure if I see him before I won’t be totally loosing it while I’m walking down the isle.

What are three words that describe how you feel right now?

Elated, Excited, and Anxious.

"Miss Bride in the City" ~ Vedika

Vedika and Ryan's August wedding is fast approaching and we can not wait!!! They are having a traditional Indian Ceremony followed the next day with a fabulous American Reception at the Wyndham Orlando Resort! Vedika loves bright and beautiful colors, the Indian Ceremony will be in Royal Purple, Apple Green, Fuschia and Turquoise! And the reception will be Black, White and Sunshine Yellow. We are looking forward to 3 days of fabulous traditions and festivities!!

When did you get engaged?: Christmas Eve 2008

When is the Big Day?: August 13, 2010

Who are the Wedding Vendors you have already decided to hire?:

- DOC: Ashlie Shea Hampton of Weddings In The City

- Photographer: Tabitha McCausland

- DJ & Lighting: Jay Edwards of Liquid Entertainment

- Florist: Debra Shea Robertson of Atmospheres Floral & Decor

- Videography: Ana with OneiProductions

- Cake: Heather of It's Tasty Too!

- Chivari chairs: Bells Chair Covers, Inc.

- Make Up & Hair: Meghann Davis of Today's Diva

- Custom Drapery: Tony Soto of Tony Soto Designs

- Dress: Alfred Angelo

- Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse

What is your venue and why did you choose it?: We chose the Hindu temple because it was centralized and obviously the most fitting place to have the ceremony. We chose the Wyndham Orlando for our reception because we love the layout of the property. Donna, the Event Coordinator, has been so helpful and is going above and beyond to make sure our day is one of a kind!

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?: Becoming Mr. & Mrs. After knowing each other for 15 years, it's about time! We are super uber excited to have all of our family and friends with us to celebrate!

Are you keeping a wedding blog while you plan? Why is this helpful?: I did start one, but with school and work, it's been difficult to keep it up to date. I do find wedding blogs helpful! I used Heather's Road to the Aisle blog as an inspiration for my invitations. I follow Ashley, a fellow Knottie, through her many DIY projects also!

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?: I am nervous about changing outfits for the Indian wedding. I hope everything goes as planned as stays on time!

What is your wedding theme going to be? What inspired it?: Our theme is roses. Ever since I can remember, my Dad had given me a dozen yellow roses for my birthday. They have been my favorite flower and are a perfect fit for our wedding colors :)

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?: It's a surprise!..I have a preference to go somewhere cold!

What are some of your favorite wedding planning tools (websites, blogs, books, etc)?: TheKnot.com, roadtotheaisle.blogspot.com and weddingbee.com. I also recommend the following magazines, Central Florida Bride, The Knot: Florida, BRIDES and Modern Bride.

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning? What are his jobs?: Ryan has been VERY helpful with the planning! He was very into getting the wedding registry done; he insisted on picking out the cake, flavors and design, on his own. He also took up planning the honeymoon :)

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their weddings?: Let your fiance help! A lot of the time we think the guys won't be interested in helping with "girly wedding stuff" but sometimes, they get more into it than we do! It's better to ask his opinion first instead of assuming he will say no. Remember, the wedding is for you AND him! You want his personality to show in the wedding just as much as yours will. Also, recruit the help of others. Don't think you have to do everything by yourself, because you don't! Friends and family will be more than willing to help as long as you ask and act politely :) Have fun with planning your wedding! At the end of the day, not everything will be perfect, no matter how much you plan..But, you will be marrying the most perfect person for you!

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony? Why or why not?: Yes! We want to get that moment alone to say, "Hi! I love you!" It will also maximize our photography time and get to capture a more intimate moment before all of the wonderful hoopla!

What are three words that describe how you feel right now?: appreciative, anxious, and ecstatic!

One of Our Own, Ties The Knot!!! :)

Rachel is one of our Wedding Coordinators at Weddings in the City and we are so excited for she and Jeff! They tied the knot last weekend, April 10th, 2010 and she could not have made a more beautiful bride!! Marc Harmon took these amazing pictures!! Their colors were Apple Green and Black and everything looked amazing. Atmospheres Floral and Decor and Weddings by Carly Ane's created the amazing florals!!! Jay from Liquid Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night and Jeff with Cinematique Films caught it all on tape!! The Ceremony and Reception were at the Buena Vista Palace and Angela ensured the event ran flawlessly!!!

We cannot wait for her to get back from her honeymoon, we miss her!!!

"Miss Bride in the City" ~ Maria

We have been so busy in the office working on upcoming weddings.... but we had to get this “Miss Bride in the City” published before the weekend.... This week’s bride, Maria, will become a Mrs on Saturday at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne. We are very excited for she and her fiance, Ryan! Their wedding is going to be a beautiful event!! They have chosen a gorgeous color palette of black, royal purple and lime green. They are expecting about 90 guests, which is the perfect number for The Dr. Phillips House!

When did you get engaged? May 7, 2009

When is the Big Day? March 20, 2010

Who are the Wedding Vendors you have already decided to hire?

Florist - Lee Forrest

DJ - Bryan Taylor-Tagas

Photography - Joey Wright Photography

Caterer and Cake - Puff n Stuff

Seamstress - Judi, The Seamstress, Inc.

Hair and Makeup - Patricia LeJeune

Tuxes - Mens Warehouse

Wedding Dress - David’s Bridal

What is your venue and why did you choose it?

The Dr. Phillips House at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne.

Ryan and I have been to a lot of weddings in Orlando…I mean A LOT, so we knew we wanted to find a venue we hadn’t attended a wedding at.

I knew I didn’t want to get married in a hotel ballroom or country club. The Dr. Phillips House provides an intimate and charming atmosphere.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Getting married to the best man in the world! Also, celebrating with our friends and family, and dancing the night away.

Are you keeping a wedding blog while you plan?

No - I wish I had the time!

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?

I think there are tons of things that a bride can be nervous about, especially when you play worst case scenario and let your imagination run wild. Having a great team of vendors and an excellent bridal party has really calmed my nerves!

What is your wedding theme going to be? What inspired it?

Modern, classic-Mixing tradition with modern touches to keep things fresh.

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?

California-Napa Valley and San Francisco-we are super excited for wine tastings, excellent food, and exploring all that San Francisco has to offer!

I’ve already promised our florist Lee a bottle of wine from his favorite winery in Sonoma. I have a feeling we will be shipping back lots of wine

What are some of your favorite wedding planning tools (websites, blogs, books, etc)?

The Knot, hands down, has been the best planning tool.

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning?

Yes I wanted to make sure that our wedding represented “us”, so his input and opinions have been important. Ryan’s project at the moment is making Seinfeld table numbers to represent his favorite TV show.

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their weddings?

Hire a coordinator, or at least a day-of coordinator. The last month is the most stressful, and knowing Ashlie will be pulling all of the details together has helped me immensely.

Use the internet; it is your best planning tool.

Set your budget early. This is usually one of the first things on To-Do lists and there is a reason why! You don’t want to fall in love with a venue, dress, etc. that isn’t in your price range. Also, prioritize what is most important to you and your fiancé, so you know where you will be spending the most money.

During the planning process, remember the reason WHY you are having a wedding! Yes, having a candy bar, personalized monogram menus, signature cocktails, and bathroom baskets are nice, but in the end, it won’t be what you remember.

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony? Yes!

Why or why not?

I think it will definitely calm our nerves and allow us to have a more intimate moment together the first time we see each other. I’m looking forward to our photographer capturing this moment.

Also, we want to get pictures done before the wedding, so we can have more time to mingle with our guests and get to the fun stuff-like dinner and dancing!

What are three words that describe how you feel right now?

Excited, anxious, super happy 

"Miss Bride in the City" ~ Terri

We are so excited to be a part of Terri and Will’s amazing chic wedding at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando. They are expecting about 90 guests and have chosen Eggplant, silver and gold as their colors, which, if you have ever been to The Grand Bohemian, you know, those colors are perfect for the existing decor!! We cannot wait till their big day and we are looking forward to seeing Terri’s family again, we had the privilege of being a part of her twin sister Lisa’s wedding in February 2009, and also meeting Will’s family!!

When did you get engaged? Inauguration Day- January 20, 2009

When is the Big Day? May 22, 2010

Who are the Wedding Vendors you have already decided to hire?

Photographer- Nikki Rosa

Videographer- Simply Cinematic

Florist- Lee Forrest

Cake- Michael Anthony Cakes

Hair and Makeup- Patricia LeJeune

DJ- Al Dee Productions

Ceremony Musicians- Lisa Ferrigno

Lighting- Tagas

Chair Rental- Bell Chair Covers Rentals

What is your venue and why did you choose it?

The Grand Bohemian. We chose it because it’s chic, artsy and in downtown Orlando. The Grand Bohemian is absolutely gorgeous and sophisticated.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Celebrating with family and friends!

Are you keeping a wedding blog while you plan? Why is this helpful?

I was, but with work, school, and wedding planning, it got to be too much.

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?

I don’t feel nervous, but I have had a few wedding nightmares. Most of them have to do with not being on time or people being late.

What is your wedding theme going to be? What inspired it?

We want a classy, glamorous, and sophisticated feel. Not sure what inspired it, but it’s just something we decided on early in the planning.

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?

Saint Lucia. We Will be staying at Jade Mountain and Sandals Grande.

What are some of your favorite wedding planning tools (websites, blogs, books, etc)?

Theknot.com, especially the message boards! I also follow a lot of wedding people on twitter who have been a great source of ideas and inspiration, such as @stylemepretty @hotpinkbrides and @bridetide Another great wedding planning tool is my twin sister! She got married February 2009 and she has been so helpful with giving me her opinion, recommending vendors, and letting me use her templates for DIY projects.

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning? What are his jobs?

He helps with just about everything except making DIY paper stuff like table names and Reserved signs. This is because he isn’t good at crafts and doesn’t want to “mess anything up.” Otherwise he helps with ideas and making decisions, writing the ceremony, and he even went dress shopping with me (he doesn’t know which dress I picked out though).

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their weddings?

Get to know your vendors. I truly think all of my vendors are great people and trust that they will help make our wedding day amazing, special, and memorable.

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony? Why or why not?

Yes! We have seen pictures of couples who did this and I think they make for great photos. Also, it’s nice to have an intimate moment together where we see each other up close and personal rather than across the aisle.

What are three words that describe how you feel right now?

Excited, busy, fortunate