I see everything thru the eyes of a wedding planner ....

I'm spending some time in the city - NYC! Oh how I would love to plan a wedding here. Today we walked down a street that was lined with florists - flowers, plants, vases, branches, wheat grass (my favorite decor) covered the sidewalks. We were headed to "House of Brews" or I would have stopped to literally "smell the roses"! All I could think of was weddings, weddings, and more weddings - lots of idea spun through my head.

Yesterday I went to the NYC Public Library - what an awesome place for a wedding - simply marvelous architecture. Today we went to St. Paul's Chapel across from the World Trade Center - it survived the attack with no windows broken! It is a beautiful chapel complete with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and an historic graveyard very picturesque - I know that sounds weird but the flowers, trees and sunlight filtering through was beautiful.

To top it all off I spotted a mobile cupcake van - only in NYC! I like cupcakes.

NYC destination wedding anyone!

Wedding Connection Sunset Cruise

Big thanks to Harry & Libby Julian and the crew of "Cruise Naples" for the awesome sunset cruise last night on "Double Sunshine". I love the boat and the atmosphere and the crew was wonderful. The cruise would make a great rehearsal dinner (catering can be arranged with Jon Phillips of CaterMasters) or a bachelor/bachelorette party or a small wedding - think about the possibilities.

We had a great group of wedding vendors on the boat and we had a blast enjoying being out on the water and time with old and new friends.

I want to thank everyone who came out and it was great to have spouses and friends join us for the cruise. Next month's event is being planned and I will announce it soon. I love getting together with you all. I have made so many great business and personal connections and I know you have too! I love this industry and I love you all! See you in August!

Here are a few shots - I am not a photographer!

Natalie & Marc Anguilano - Eagle Packaging Products
Connie Allen, Naples Beach Hotel
Ashley Brockinton, Ashley Brockinton Photography
Grace Bolen, Gracie’s Cupcakes
Sonya Cranmer, KC Tecs
Beth Fromm, Naples Transportation
Jenny Easton, Lyfe of the Party
Paul Easton, Talent Venture
Peggy Farren, Avant Garde Photography
Astrid & Rene Garcia, Astrid & Rene Photography
Sarah Garrett, SWFL Travel Registry
Kristen Goodman, Creative Memories
Jim, Mary, Sarah Hines, Chandelier Productions
Dale Kubala, Connie Duglin Linens
Sarah Krehling, Lyfe of the Party
Alese Lawrence, Lyfe of the Party
Pia Manderschied, Hyatt Place Coconut Point
Susan Martinez, Alden Floral Design
Sue Migeot, Jamie & Jacob Catering
Lori Pereira, Mary Kay
Jessica Redburn, Stonebridge CC
Jackie Ritter, Buca di Beppo
Susan Savino - Naples Beach Hotel
Joy Simeonova, Naples Transportation
Mary Ann Shea – Mediterra
Gini Willis, Benefit Design Group

SWFL Wedding Connection

SWFL Wedding Connection is a group of wedding professional friends that meet monthly. Last month we were invited to the home of Jon & Dru Phillips of CaterMasters and Cinderella Catering. It was a great evening, the food was incredible and time with friends was fun. Lyfe of the Party brought beautiful floral arrangements that were accented by linens from Dale Kubala at Connie Duglin Linens and DJ Dayve provided the music. Check out the flowers - I love the one with blueberries! July's event is being held on July 9th on "Double Sunshine", a sunset cruise hosted by Cruise Naples!

Twitter helps....

For my wedding last week, we needed a "sign" to direct guests into the reception venue.

The morning that the mother of the bride called me to ask about making a sign, I read a Twitter from Wedding Chicks advertising their "Etsy" store that included personalized signs, shirts and totes. I was able to immediately send the MOB to the site and she ordered the sign. it was great - here's a photo. Thanks "Wedding Chicks", Thanks "Etsy", Thanks Twitter!

Thank you Red Box Photography!

Here is another gorgeous photo of my grandson and my daughter-in-love thanks to Ashley & Sam Brockinton of Red Box Photography. They are special friends and amazing photographers. I love that little guy!

Julie & Carlos get married!

Last Wednesday I had the privilege of coordinating the wedding for Julie & Carlos! We planned the wedding in about 6 weeks - it was great fun and Julie's mom and I became quick friends!

Julie & Carlos are a very endearing couple - Julie was a beautiful bride and I really noticed Carlos' tenderness towards her the day of the wedding. So awesome!

The ceremony was held at the 18th Ave S beach access in Naples. It was sooo hot, but the ceremony site was beautiful and simple. I was so busy I did not get any photos of it :( The colors were lime green and pink. We tied chair ties down the aisle and my husband (the florist - not) put bunches of green button poms in the "tie" - he did a great job.

The reception was held at Jane's Cafe on 3rd St & 13th Ave. It was a beautiful, quaint venue and I loved working with Paul and his staff. They were amazing and the food was wonderful - go have breakfast or lunch sometime and tell Paul I said "hi"!

Tonya Malay was the photographer and I enjoyed working with her and her staff and can't wait to see the photos. Sergei from Dolphin Transporation drove the trolley to transport the guests to and from Jane's Cafe to the beach. He did a great job. Nancy Joseph came the Julie's house and did "airbrush" makeup that is "sweat proof" - she did a beautiful job and Julie was beautiful all night long.

There were lots of little special touches that the bride and her mom added to make the day special. It was a hot one though! I don't think I have ever sweated like that before - ever! My husband was my assistant for this wedding and he did an amazing job.

Wedding planners should get together and write a book on funny things that happen - as the groom was walking across the sand to the "aisle" I noticed he had his cell phone in his pants (white linen) so I walked up to him and asked for it along with a bottle of cologne!!! Then as the matron of honor was walking, she came towards me slightly and whispered "we forgot the rings"! I quickly grabbed a fake ring out of the ER kit and then grabbed my husbands wedding band and gave them to the best man while the bride was walking down the aisle!!! I had to laugh. All in all it was a perfect day for the bride, the groom, their families, guests and Chandelier Productions!

Happy Anniversary Katie & Matt!

Six years ago today at the Naples Beach Club, Katie & Matt were married! It was a beautifully sunny and hot day - Katie was gorgeous, Matt was handsome and the officiant was very hot (my husband Jim)! Peggy Farren was the videographer and Michelle Reed took the photos - not the ones I'm posting, they are mine. I've know Katie & Matt since they were in high school - such dear sweet friends - Congrats. I am currently working on Katie's sister's wedding in November - how fun is that!