Great suggestions from The Knot ....

"I would have hired a wedding coordinator. It got irritating when people would ask questions like, 'Where should I put the extra programs?' after the ceremony."
Tip: The one thing most brides don't get on their wedding day is a break. If you want to enjoy individual moments more and deal with questions and disasters less, hiring a coordinator should be a high priority on your to-do list. The quality time you'll gain is well worth the fee.

"I would have taken pictures of my bustle at my final dress fitting. When I was 'bustling up' before the reception, we couldn't quite figure out how to get it right."
Tip: Arranging the bustle is indeed a not-so-easy task. Bring a member of your bridal party with you to the the bridal salon when you go for your last fitting. She can learn precisely what needs to be done for the wedding.

Congratulations Megan & Cory!

Today marks the 1st anniversary of Megan and Cory Dahm. I had the privilege of coordinating their wedding last year. Megan and Cory are such a sweet couple and they were fun to work with - their matron of honor and bestman were another story. They were big trouble makers - jk Julie & Paul! Megan and her bridesmaids made the centerpieces for the reception complete with live fish and her flowers for the ceremony were created by Brenda at Costco - they were beautiful! Congratulations Megan & Cory and special congrats and prayers for the upcoming arrival of their 1st child!

Happy Birthdays!

Today is my daughter-in-love's birthday and my grandson's 5 month birthday! What a great, fun day - tonight we will celebrate at Sarah's parent's house with a mexican fiesta - I can't wait. It is such a joy to have Sarah Lynn in our lives: she loves and respects my son, is being a wonderful mother to our grandson and I am honored to call her my dear friend - we have a lot of fun together. I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Here is a recent photo taken by Ashley Brockinton of Ashley Brockinton Photography and Red Box Studio. We get to view more tomorrow at her new studio in Bonita!

Soren is sitting beside me playing with a ball. All of my children are asleep and enjoying a quiet morning. I love being able to give my daughter-in-love some extra sleep in the morning - they surprised me last night when I arrived home from Gainesville and ended up spending the night. I love this.

I wish you could see Soren's face right now - he is mesmerized by the screen - so incredibly cute. I need to go dry my hair. I'm going to head to church - my honey bear is playing bass this morning and I am going to spend the whole morning thanking God for His blessings upon our family!

Have a great holiday weekend!

Happy Anniversary Julie & Levi!

Julie & Levi were married one year ago today. They were married at the Tabernacle in Sarasota. It was a sweet wedding - Julie's brother officiated and there were a lot of family and friends involved in the ceremony. Congratulations Julie & Levi!

Destination Wedding idea - Arcadia!

I know it sounds funny - but here's a crazy idea. I was in Arcadia yesterday visiting my sister and we were walking around the antique shops. I commented about how fun it would be to do a wedding where everything from the dress to the centerpieces came from antique/thrift stores - it could totally be fun and beautiful.

Then we stumbled upon a new Bed & Breakfast - The Oak Park Inn. It is beautiful and has 12 rooms and banquet facilties and space. You could totally do a fun ceremony and reception there.

"I was just thinking!"

www.oakparkinnarcadia.com

Happy Anniversary Claire & Dave!

Claire & Dave Beilein were married last year today. It was a beautiful wedding held at Summit Church and the reception was held at the Colony in Estero. Congratulations Claire & Dave.

Ashley is on the Wedding Channel!

Way to go Ashley & Sam Brockinton - its so great to be able to work with you two and Ashley Albee! Congratulations!

From Ashley's blog:

Yesterday at the Ashley Brockinton Photography studio, while I was surfing the web looking for things we were mentioned in and I just stumbled upon one of the pictures we took for the showcase for planner, Kelly McWilliams, on Wedding Channel.com! WAHOO! How sweet is that? Sweet as candy sweet! Special thanks to wedding planner, Mary Hines of Chandelier Productions, who designed and planned for the showcase!

Ashley Brockintin Photography

A Hip and Chic Photography Boutique

Specializing in Wedding and Engagement Photography/Portraits for the Fashionista in LOVE!

"SWFL Wedding Connection" Luncheon

Months ago Ashley Brockinton and I came up with the idea to start having lunch with our friends who we know in the wedding industry. We've been having a blast getting together monthly and forming friendships and working relationships.

Yesterday, we had lunch at Buca de Bippo. We had about 30 wedding vendors who gathered for lunch hosted by Jackie Ritter at Buca. The conversations were great and the food was delicious - thank you Jackie for arranging this - it was a lot of fun!

Next month, Jon Phillips from CaterMasters and Cinderella Catering is hosting an "after five" event for us on June 11th at his home. He is going to provide refreshments and cook for us. I can't wait - in addition to seeing my friends, we get to sample awesome food from CaterMasters! If you're interested in join us email me - we love meeting new friends!

Here is who joined us yesterday:

Sonya Cranmer, KCTecs www.kctecs.com
Mandy Ruse, Mandy Ruse Wedding & Event Planner
Sarah Krehling, Lyfe of the Party www.lyfeoftheparty.com
Jennifer Easton, Lyfe of the Party www.lyfeoftheparty.com
Tina Church, Eventz www.eventzinc.com
Sarah Garrent, SW Florida Travel www.swfloridatravel.com
Peter Pecci, Pecci Photography www.pecciphotography.com
Peggy Farren, Avant Garde Photography www.NaplesPortraits.com
Deborah Cull, Deborah Cull Photography www.deborahcull.com
Debbie Irberseder, Irberseder Productions www.IrbersederProductions.com
Mary Ann Shea, Mediterra
Susan Scarff, Foxfire
Jackie Ritter, Buca de Beppo www.bucadibeppo.com
Jon Phillips, CaterMasters www.catermastersinc.com
Courtney Herrell, Naples Zoo www.napleszoo.com
Susan Savino, Naples Beach Hotel www.naplesbeachhotel.com
Melissa Read, Naples Beach Hotel www.naplesbeachhotel.com
Beth Fromm, Naples Transportation www.nttep.com
Dale Kubala, Connie Duglin Linens www.connieduglin.com
Carri Adam, BBJ Linen www.bbjlinen.com
Nancy Joseph, Makeup Artist
Kiley Melheim, Hair Stylist
Kevin Smith, Kevin Smith Entertainment
Gracie's Cupcakes & Ice Cream
Gini Willis, Benefit Design Group
and us - Mary & Sarah Hines, Chandelier Productions www.chandelierproductions.net

NYC in bloom!

NYC in the Spring time - everything was green and in bloom including "love". We stumbled upon a bride and groom at the Plaza and an engagement shoot in Central Park - always a Wedding Planner - never a tourist! Just kidding - we had a great time as always, met some new friends and had a very neat revelation - I'll share that soon! If you follow me on Twitter, I have a contest going on and the winner will receive a "pashmina" straight from the streets of NYC! Follow me "chandelierprod".