Classic Affairs by Jessica Ayers

Helen & Sean... Married!

2011-06-16T13:03:00.005-04:00

When I think of my most head over-heels-couples, I immediately think of these two! Helen and Sean hired me as their full wedding planner, and it was so much fun getting to work on every detail of their beautiful Spanish Monastery wedding. All of the vendors for this event really pulled out all of the stops. The food from All In Good Taste is still getting rave reviews till this day, and Terra Flowers stunned the crowd with their floral design. Reverend Eddie Rodriguez delivered an emotional and moving ceremony. Lara Rios and Brian K Video recorded all of the touching moments and here are just a few!

Helen and Sean from Brian K Video on Vimeo.

Annette & Marcus...Married!

2011-04-10T16:24:00.001-04:00

I love working on a wedding when the groom is just as in to the details as the bride! Annette and Marcus left no stone unturned and truly wowed their guests with their attention to detail. The cake, dessert bar, and late night snacks definitely stole the show! Ashley Colhouer captured the beautiful images from this stunning Coral Gables Congregation and Comber Hall wedding in Coral Gables. You can view them by clicking here.

Below you will find my less than stellar quick photos of their reception. Enjoy!

Dress: Alfred Angelo
Photography: Ashley Colhouer
Video: Captivated Films
Flowers and Catering: Sylvia's Wedding
DJ: Ubi
Hair: Art of Hair by Claudia

Ali & Brian... Married!

2011-02-06T17:51:00.003-05:00

I am happy to finally get the chance to blog this wedding. I have known Ali since our elementary school days, and I was thrilled when she reached out to me to help plan her big day. Ali and Brian have a fun, casual style and their venue reflected their interests and personality as a couple to a T. The Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee was the perfect, charming location for these two to wed. The families and bridal party spent the weekend in cabins around the scenic property.

The ceremony took place lakeside, and the groom and groomsmen were wearing jeans! It was every man's dream. The pictures below were actually captured by the DJ, Mike Berrios from MB Entertainment.

The reception took place in the main hall, and I am sure my iPhone pictures below do not do the decor any justice. Most notably, the gorgeous cake was made by the bride herself!

Shirley & Alex... Married!

2010-11-10T22:22:00.005-05:00

Shirley has been my good friend since childhood, and was it was especially moving to see how happy and radiant a bride she was. It was particularly exciting to witness these two tie the knot in Gainesville, Florida where they met at the University of Florida. Shirley and Alex share a love of gourmet food, their fraternity Phi Sigma Pi, and of course, the Florida Gators!

The ceremony took place at United Church of Gainesville and the reception was at the beautiful Thomas Center. Jessica Leigh Photography captured these stunning photos throughout the day, and she also covers South Florida weddings.

Rhiannon & Kyle... Married!

2010-07-03T16:43:00.002-04:00

Rhiannon and Kyle love watching movies together, and decided to incorporate that shared interest throughout their wedding. Combined with the color palette of soft blues and yellow, it was a beautiful and fun June wedding. From the theater tickets as escort cards, to the table names after movies, and even the candy buffet with their favorite movie snacks; this pair put a lot of time into the details that made their day perfect.

Patricia Haston Photography provided these beautiful images at First United Methodist of Boca Raton.

The reception was then held at the Elks Lodge in Delray Beach. Here are a few shots I took throughout the night.

This gorgeous lace cake was the work of Sweet Tiers.

The bride wore these super hot heels.

The candy buffet was a huge crowd favorite!

I had so much fun getting to know their family, and I am sure these two are enjoying their honeymoon in New York City!

Wedding Auction to Benefit the Kidney Cancer Association

2010-06-12T15:04:00.008-04:00

Our auction has now ended. Thank you for your interest!

South Florida's up and coming wedding professionals have joined together to donate their services for a great cause. All proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Kidney Cancer Association in honor of the late Hermide Pierre Toussaint, whose wedding day would have been May 30, 2010.

The highest bidder will receive....

*** One full “day of” wedding coordination package from Classic Affairs by Jessica Ayers

www.classic-affairs.com

*** One day of full wedding coverage to include a fully edited DVD of all photos and an online photo gallery courtesy of Photography by Laurel Serra

www.photographybylaurelserra.com

*** One photo session (either engagement or trash the dress photos) with Ashley Colhouer Photography

www.1313blog.com

All 3 services have a retail value of $2,000.

Please take note of the following conditions....
1. This auction is available to NEW CLIENTS only.
2. Your wedding must take place in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties.
3. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Jessica Ayers at jessica@classic-affairs.com

4. Contracts will be emailed to you upon receipt of payment.

5. The following dates are currently UNAVAILABLE:

All of June 2010
All of July 2010
August 28, 2010
September 12-18, 2010
September 25, 2010
October 9, 2010
October 22-23, 2010
October 30, 2010
December 24-25, 2010
January 1-3, 2011
January 29, 2011
March 5, 2011
April 2, 2011
May 12-22, 2011
June 25, 2011
October 15, 2011

Kerri & Luis... Married!

2010-04-19T16:11:00.011-04:00

Kerri and Luis were married on a beautiful April evening at West Broward Hall. This venue is a hidden gem that allows for an intimate ceremony and reception. This wedding was all about the love between the two of them and their seven children. Kerri chose a color scheme of turquoise and lime green, which added to the serenity of the lakefront venue. The bride was given away by her two oldest sons in an especially moving ceremony by Pastor Clark. Thousand & One Nights DJ Service kept the evening going with music, and guests enjoyed a feast provided by Exquisite Catering by Robert. Laurel Serra was on hand to capture the emotional moments of the day, and below you will find some of her awesome shots!

Kerri and Luis, I had a blast getting to work with you and your kids. I wish a lifetime of happiness to your beautiful family!

Marilyn & Brian... Married!

2010-04-04T12:19:00.018-04:00

Marilyn and Brian were our lucky contest winners back in January, and I have been looking forward to their wedding. Particularly since seeing how modern, yet classic, Marilyn's taste is. The two are such a fun loving and totally in-love couple. It is so sweet to see how they look at each other under the watchful eye of such adoring family and friends. This energetic wedding partied throughout the evening until after 2 AM in true Miami fashion, and was still going strong thereafter. Their wedding took place at the Epic Hotel in downtown Miami, and we couldn't have asked for better weather on this gorgeous April day. Greg and Heidi, of Gregory Paul Photography, were able to take some great pictures of this couple at Vizcaya before their ceremony, and I cannot wait to see them. Their other vendors included: Vision DJs, Blueshore Productions, Cake Designs by Edda, florals and decor by A&S Designs, and hair and makeup by Nicole and Crystal.

Here is a quick snap shot of Marilyn getting ready

Preparations for the ceremony are underway on the banks of the Miami River

After they said "I Do!"

The swanky cocktail hour took place by the pool

Childhood pictures of the bride and groom personalized the entrance of the ballroom

The soft amber light set the romantic ambiance of the evening

The Hora Loca started off with a bang....

... with a special guest, Sebastian. This is a definite act of love, since she's a Gator and he's a Cane!

Congrats to Marilyn and Brian, I very much enjoyed being a part of your beautiful wedding!

A Presidential Guest

2010-03-21T12:51:00.005-04:00

It may seem like you have already invited everyone and their mother, literally, to your wedding. If you happen to have any extra invitations left over, you may want to invite one of the most influential, pro-marriage couples on the planet.... The President of the United States and the First Lady. They are likely to decline your invite, but you do end up with an awesome keepsake from the White House!

To receive a memorable acknowledgment from Washington D.C., mail your invite to:

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Wedding invitations to the President can also be faxed to 202.395.1232

Please note, The White House greetings office handles many wedding invitation requests as they can. Send your invitation at least 6 weeks in advance. Be sure to include your old and new mailing address in case the RSVP comes later.
--

Alexandra & Mike... Married!

2010-02-26T22:46:00.006-05:00

Alex and Mike were married on February 20th at the beautifully elegant Jupiter Beach Resort. This couple planned their wedding in sunny South Florida all the way from snowy Boston! Their families and friends certainly know how to have a good time and celebrated the love this laid-back duo shares.

The tropical cocktail hour took place on the terrace overlooking the pool, with a steel drummer that set the mood to the evening. The ballroom glowed with amber light and the florals by Simply Flowers were elegant and modern. Fotos R Fun was on hand to capture the guests' silly whims and Brad's Creative Images played a montage of pictures from the ceremony and of the gorgeous bride preparing for the big day. My Treasure Films also documented their moving memories and the emotions that flowed.

I very much enjoyed working with this wonderful couple and wish you both all of the best as newlyweds!

Some of Brad's images....

and My Treasure Film's....

Alex and Mike - Trailer from Javier Medina on Vimeo.

Congrats to our DOC contest winner!

2010-01-01T17:48:00.005-05:00

The grand prize, a free Day of Coordination package goes to....

Marilyn Calo
Wedding date: April 3, 2010
Location: Epic Hotel

Inspiration Board

Marilyn and Brian, I am very much looking forward to working with you!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to create their dream New Year's Eve weddings. All contestants will receive a gift certificate towards any package. Please check your email for details.

2010 DOC Contest

2009-12-21T21:34:00.007-05:00

Calling all 2010 Brides! Classic Affairs is hosting their first contest in honor of the New Year! The winner will receive a free Day of Coordination package valued at $500. Any contestant who enters will receive a gift certificate towards any Classic Affairs package.

To enter, please create a wedding inspiration board for a New Year's Eve wedding. What colors would you use? How formal will the event be? What type of activities will be going on? It is your chance to be creative, with a budget as high as the sky!

Rules:

1. All entries must be received by December 31, 2009 at 11:59 PM. One entry per contestant. The winner will be announced on this blog on January 1st, 2010.
2. Please email the entries to jessica@classic-affairs.com
3. Your wedding must take place during an available date in 2010, and current clients are not eligible to enter. Please include your wedding date and venue location with your entry (wedding must be in Miami- Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach county.)

Have fun! If you have any questions please let me know!

New Venue: whiteSPACE

2009-12-01T11:42:00.006-05:00

I attended a bridal networking event called the Rock With U Showcase at a new venue called whiteSPACE. The name is quite fitting, since the space is an all white blank canvas with a bare modern loft style vibe. You can essentially turn it into any look you have in mind with the right decor, and easily transitions into a night club feel. I think the venue is perfect for a cocktail party or corporate event. Check it out if you are having a holiday party soon:

1200 Stirling Rd. Studio A & B Dania Beach, FL 33004

Arlyn & Pino... Married!

2009-11-02T19:27:00.025-05:00

On November 1st, Arlyn and Pino had a beautiful ceremony at Coral Gables Congregational Church. Rev. Milan is quite a character and ensured the ceremony was very personalized and unique. The celebration continued with a South Beach themed cocktail reception at the Rusty Pelican.

It is obvious that this fun couple loves to have a good time, and with the help of DJ Willie, they had several surprises up their sleeves for their guests. When Pino was removing Arlyn's garter, he first found a strip of caution tape. After he removed the garter and the bouquet was caught, it was time to have some fun with the guy who caught the garter. He thought he was going to be putting the garter on Arlyn's bridesmaid. However, he was blindfolded and told to use his teeth to put on the garter, and had no idea he was actually putting it on the groom's leg!

Arlyn did a great job with adding trendy elements to her wedding. She created a very beautiful seating chart made out of hanging crystals and photos, and the tables were named after Miami hot spots.

A caricature was the focus of many photos that evening.

Hazel R Photographers designed a guestbook with their edgy engagement pictures, and also played a slideshow with professional pictures of the couple getting ready and their wedding ceremony.

The florals were provided by Flowers by Luenzo.

Edible Creations designed the very modern yet tasty cake.

Leyani provided the chiavari chairs, the white draping, and the blue and pink uplighting.

The couple's monogram was incorporated throughout the event, and it was the focus of their ice sculpture.

Most importantly, Arlyn made a stunning bride and Pino looked perfect by her side. To catch a glimpse of how gorgeous they are and how moving their ceremony was, take a peak at this video recap from My Treasure Videos!

ArlynPino 2 from Javier Medina on Vimeo.

The Cost of the Candy Buffet

2009-10-27T23:28:00.026-04:00

The candy buffet is a very popular favor for weddings and showers, but may not be very budget friendly. Most people suggest purchasing about half a pound of candy per guest, in addition to all of the containers, scoops, and candy boxes. However, a full pound of unwrapped candy (like M&Ms) can fit in one pint-sized favor box. Specialty candies that are personalized can increase the cost even more. A single Hershey bar with a personalized wrapper can cost upwards of $2 each, and a 5 pound bag of M&Ms in your color goes for $57; if you add your names it increases to $130. With the average glass container from Michael's costing $13 each, you can easily spend $8 per person or more.

You can still have a beautiful candy buffet and cut down on some of the costs.

The Containers

First off, take stock on what you already have around the house. Bowls, vases, a trifle dish or a cake stand can also be borrowed from family, and glass trays also hold a large quantity and display nicely. You may have a friend who is also getting married or planning a party, and you might be able to split the costs of the jars together, or your event planner could have some on hand as well.
If you need to buy them, stock up on the all important 40% off coupon from Michael's.
If you want every container to match like the picture below, it will probably end up costing you more money. Apothecary jars with lids are also going to cost more than open containers.

By using different and unique pieces, you can go to thrift stores, Ross, and Home Goods and mix and match your jars. If you are an online only shopper, check out Save on Crafts, but shipping costs might be pretty high. To have a nice full candy buffet, you may need 12 or so containers. For 100 people, 10-12 containers is a nice amount.

The Sweets

If you decide to use candy with a particular color scheme, you may end up spending more money on colored bulk candy. Choosing a broader color scheme could be less expensive (like using all pastel colors, all bright colors, or all black, white and brown.) You can also decorate the candy containers with signs, ribbon, or pictures that match your theme, and then you can use any color of candy inside.

Secondly, look out for clearance candy after every holiday. You can always remove the holiday wrappers and use unwrapped candy in your jars. Candy will always be 50% off the day after the holiday, and usually 75% a week after the holiday. Make sure you go to several stores on those days to get the best selection. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter are the best candy holidays, so Spring brides have great timing for these sales! However, unwrapping candy means it takes more candy to fill up the containers and the favor boxes. Wholesale clubs like Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Club also sell candy and many other sweets in bulk.

Adding home made baked goods to your buffet, like Amy Atlas loves to do, will also make it more personal, in addition to decreasing your costs. You can whip up several batches of cookies for $10, and they will help fill up many favor boxes and will lessen the amount of candy needed, which is more expensive.

Scoops and Favor Boxes

If you have a large guest count, you may want to have smaller sized favor boxes, like a half pint. This will limit guests to the amount of sweets they can take. The good thing is, not every guest will take their own box as well, so if you are in between quantities you will be safe going with the smaller count. 159 RSVPs means you will be okay with only 150 boxes, and you may still be amazed at how many are leftover. Inexpensive chinese take-out boxes from Paper-Mart can be personalized with stickers, or cellophane bags in your color scheme are also cost effective. Scoops can be purchased from Acemart for $2 each, and you can reuse them in your kitchen afterward.

Decor

Include a framed poem, a small flower arrangement, or some elements of your theme to the table to make it look more full and appealing. Using blocks under some containers can add height and up the wow factor without upping the budget. Ceramic letters are very popular and double as a container as well, and you can spell out your names or any message you want.

Using these methods can bring your candy buffet cost down to about $2 per person, and give you extra cash to splurge on your dream flowers, dress, or shoes!

Coco Plum Bridal Show

2009-10-07T22:52:00.005-04:00

It was such a pleasure to meet so many brides, grooms, and young ladies working on their Sweet 15s and 16s. I also enjoyed meeting more wedding professionals and seeing many familiar faces. Ana Cruz, who is featured on the popular wedding show "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" was on hand to speak to brides and it was great meeting her as well. A special thanks goes out to Gil Sosa for putting together a stunning centerpiece for me, as always, and to my assistants Christy and Mely. Here are some pictures of our table display. Enjoy!

Pink Carpet Productions

2009-09-23T22:45:00.011-04:00

I was invited to participate in an Elite Bridal Networking Event which was produced by Pink Carpet Productions, which took place at the Texas De Brazil on Miami Beach. The restaurant has a lounge-y and stylish South Beach feel, and their ballroom would be perfect to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, or bridal showers. I had the pleasure of meeting with many wedding planners, photographers, florists, and dozens of other spectacular wedding vendors. Here are some pictures of some awesome vendors that showed off their skills!

A gorgeous table display by Nuage Designs

Centerpiece by Avant Gardens

Cakes by Divine Delicacies

Aroma Espresso and Cappuccino Bar

Yummy fried oreos courtesy of Donut Divas

And some lovely former knotties, now planners =)

Day of Coordination Special!

2009-09-20T23:15:00.006-04:00

If you are getting married in October, November, or December 2009 and your date is available, I would like to meet up with you and discuss the DOC package I can offer you for $99. Your wedding must take place in Miami Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties. Please email me at jessica@classic-affairs.com if you are interested with your contact info, event date and venue locations.

Vendor Rave: Forever Flowers

2009-09-17T22:07:00.005-04:00

Most brides use a large chunk of their budget on a photographer and videographer because when the wedding is over, the flowers die and the cake is eaten, those memories are the only thing they have left. This is very true and a great way to help determine your budget, but many brides don't think about preserving their flowers as well. I just picked up my framed bouquet from Forever Flowers, which also contains bouquet charm and my husband's boutonnière. They had some more affordable options which is what I had planned on ordering, but when I got there, I couldn't help myself. I upgraded every single option, but I am so pleased with the results. This work of art now hangs in my living room, matches our decor, and reminds us every day of the best day of our lives.

These are the options I upgraded from the standard choices:

I upgraded the "bubble" frame to a shadowbox.
I chose a modern brushed finished frame which was from the most expensive selection.
I wanted to use sage green suede fabric as the background.
I loved the look of the inner frame which acts like a matte and has additional brushed metal.
The matte required me to get a larger sized shadow box so you can still see all of the flowers.
I upgraded the glass to museum glass, which makes it look like you can reach through the box and touch the flowers, no glare at all.

Judy from Forever Flowers is a complete doll, and even came in when the store was closed just for me so I could pick them up in Boca on a day I happened to be driving through. She also offers a discount on dress preservation if you have your flowers preserved through her- regular price is $200 and the discount is $170.

Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2010

2009-09-01T22:27:00.005-04:00

Getmarried.com has compiled a list of the trends we will see throughout 2010. Are you on the bandwagon?

1. Back to Basics
Events will focus on the attention to the details, the foundation of the event, not the drama or grandeur of the evening. Consider spending more on the lasting memories than the showmanship of the event. Spend a bit more than the average budget allotment on photography mediums rather than abundant floral. Or consider a bit of a longer stay on your honeymoon and a little less of a party at the reception and you’ll be grateful for your decision in the end.

2. Home Weddings Hit Home
Intimate and personal affairs in the backyard are bigger than ever. Going home incorporates the continued trend of personalizing the wedding day experience.
Smaller size guest lists, more intimate settings, grass roots weddings, elegant and detail driven, but in no way small on what counts.

3. Buttercream on the Big Day
Fondant is falling behind, buttercream corners the market.
Tools and techniques now allow for buttercream to look as smooth as fondant when applied by a skilled artist. You have the option of better flavor, more natural ingredients, and less costly cakes that no longer suffer or lack in design.

4. Favor Comeback
Personalized appreciation is back. The effect that an event has on the guests is more noticeable than ever before so the importance of a favor is felt more than ever. Be sure to appreciate to those in attendance - it’s not just an afterthought, omission, or generic item. Think local artisans, locally grown products, personal mementos, and on-the-spot print outs.

5. Nearby Destinations
Nearby destination weddings are taking flight over the exotic and far off locales. The ever popular destination wedding will remain but guests will get out of town by car (within driving distance) so couples can create a weekend, guests get an escape, but no one breaks the bank. Enjoying the US destination locations, spend within your own local economies, create a greener effect, experience undiscovered backyards, and stay sensible about cost while you’re at away.

6. Colors
Monochromatic palettes - this doesn’t mean muted colors, just single color bunches. Vibrant Colors: Orange, green, yellow, and pink. Metal Colors: Gold, silver, copper, and pewter. And black is definitely the new black. Break the rules and show off the darker side of your event.

7. Greener Conscience
Immerging will be the newest phase of eco-conscience: A better understanding of the gray shades of green. You will see more emphasis on the smaller changes that are less recognizable to the guest (i.e. cleaning green, composting, solar and LED lighting, no more oasis in floral arrangements, less catering waste). It’s no longer about making the event appear “organic” – it’s about understanding how things are made, disposed of, and where/when events take place. Learning to make better choices that are unseen by the guest are just as important as those tree-free invitations everyone is talking about.

8. Video Integration into Events
We’ve all seen the photo montages of your childhoods during dinner but the next phase in video at your event comes in several different forms. Video DJ’s are immerging, allowing your dance party to dance to the visuals of the music videos; ceremonies are being broadcast on screens for better viewing from the back; and time lapse photography is being shot and integrated into video for current day montages of you and your fiancé. Love to party? Set up crane camera and project the event as it unfolds on screens around the dance floor (budget permitting of course).

9. HD Video
Videographers have already gone hi-def. But next year all or most will make such a transition, making HD and even Blu Ray the norm in wedding videography. Upgrade now and appreciate the quality later. This also means smaller cameras on site and less intrusion into your event, all around a better (though more costly) option on the big day.

10. Visual Combinations
Professional grade still photo cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II DSLR are being released with HD video capabilities included. It is recommended to have both a videographer and a photographer at your wedding to capture every moment of the big day. Tech-savvy brides looking for a new experience, may like to experiment with a visual professional (videographer or photographer) who has this technology. In the future, you will begin to see an emergence of two-in-one companies. Companies like Engaging Films and Video Keepsakes of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles will shoot video and take stills, but use only one piece of technology.

Yvonne & Tony... Married!

2009-07-20T04:22:00.005-04:00

Six weeks after my wedding, my best friend Yvonne had her fabulous wedding day on July 4, 2009. Tony is an active member of the US Navy and Yvonne's grandparents were also married on July 4th, so this day seemed fitting for the couple, not to mention he popped the question on the 4th of July last year. My favorite part of the wedding was the sword ceremony outside of the church. Yvonne really wanted to personalize her wedding with tons of do-it-yourself details, which was especially challenging since they were have a destination wedding in Burlington, Vermont. The ceremony was held at St. Joseph's Co-Cathederal, followed by an intimate reception at the Hilton, which overlooked Lake Champlain. Professional photos from Closed Circle Photography will be posted soon!

Green Weddings

2009-07-10T14:44:00.001-04:00

This post is inspired by my friend Shirley, who is planning a May 2010 wedding, and is very interested in having a green wedding... both the color green and also being eco-friendly with her planning decisions. I thought it would be a good idea to look for some ways to cut down on our carbon footprints wedding-wise. An article on discovery.com explains how we can cut back in certain areas.

1. Watch the Numbers
The more people that are invited to your wedding, the more miles need to be traveled, more food consumed, a bigger venue, more invitations, etc. Invite all of your loved ones, but beware of people bringing uninvited guests that will hike up your numbers.

2. Source Locally
Flowers, food, and beverages can be found nearby in your own neighborhood, without having to use up earth's precious resources trucking in a keg or two of your favorite ale.

3. Source Green
Everything you need to buy or rent for your wedding will have an environmental impact, so try to reduce this as much as possible. What is your dress made of? How was the gold mined for your rings? Do those tasty chocolate gift bags involve slave labor? No need to go overboard though... while a hemp suit may seem eco friendly, if you are never going to wear it again, it may make more sense to go for the traditional tux or suit.

4. Choosing a Venue
Selecting a venue that is as close as possible to your guests will reduce your wedding's impact in a big way. However, you might also want to consider the type of venue you are using. If you are not tied to a particular church or synagogue, why not consider your local community garden as a venue? You will also be bringing awareness to their cause.

5. Green your Transportation
Now that you have the venue, how do you round up the crowd efficiently? Encourage them to walk, ride bikes, or at least carpool to your venue. You can always provide a shuttle bus, which also eliminates the worry of drunk driving. The shuttle bus might also introduce your guests to alternative fuels "What do you mean this bus runs on used veggie oil?"

6. Make it Personal
While you've definitely got to throw a good party, it doesn't need to seem as bare as Stonehenge. Why not ask friends to grow and bring flowers? You will undoubtedly have the freshest flowers in town. You can create a scrapbook and have everyone share their own memories of you. Guests will remember these touches far more than glass cut chandeliers or the chocolate fountain.

7. The Perfect Eco-Invites
An inivtation sets the scene for a party, so you don't want to seem cheap or tacky. Fortunately, many suppliers are now offering handmade, tree-free, or recycled invites. If you are happy breaking from tradition, an electronic E-vite might do the trick. You can even RSVP online and save on stamps and additional enevelopes.

8. Gifts of Conscience
Why not ask for a solar cooker or organic linens? Remember less is always more when it comes to being green, so think about how many bamboo mats you truly need before you register. If you have everything you need, why not create an online donation registry towards a worthy cause?

Vendor Rave: My Treasure Videos

2009-06-15T23:32:00.005-04:00

Javier from My Treasure Videos is the sweetest man alive and does fabulous work. He truly wants to make sure you are completely happy with every aspect of your video. I love video recaps because you can see highlights from the wedding in just a few minutes and they are quite enjoyable to watch. I watch my video recap all the time and I wanted to share it with you.

Jessica and Ollie 2 from Javier Medina on Vimeo.

Jessica & Ollie... Married!

2009-06-10T13:28:00.017-04:00

After living and breathing wedding magazines, websites, and television shows, the day I had been dreaming of for 25 years arrived. This is the day I realized that no matter how much you plan, there is no controlling the weather! It poured while I was making way over to the church. Luckily, that was all the drama I experienced because my vendors were amazing and went above and beyond to give me the wedding of my dreams. Naturally, I knew how much work needed to be done on the wedding day, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to hire a day of coordinator to pull together all of the details I had planned. Justine from Fabulous Fetes and Events made sure everything was executed perfectly. You can see that for yourself with my photos and video trailer. I was fortunate enough to have a team of photgraphers capture every moment, and now I leave you with pictures from my photography crew: DB Images as well as Joseph Keith Photography, who shot my wedding alongside Devynn.

Yvonne's Bridal Shower

2009-05-05T02:14:00.004-04:00

Yvonne has been my best friend since the beginning of time, and I was thrilled to be planning our weddings at the same time. It's all we would think about or talk about. She helped give me such a beautiful bridal shower a few months back, I knew I had to deliver. I decided to host her bridal shower at a yummy Italian bistro in Davie, Bistro 555. Her favorite color was pink, and so was her wedding, so of course her shower had to follow as well. The guest list was kept small due to the fact that the bride lived in Jacksonville, the groom lived in Tennessee, the wedding was taking place in Vermont, and the shower was held in Florida. Phew!

Billie and Carlos's Wedding

2009-04-21T01:54:00.009-04:00

On April 11, 2009, Bileyda and Carlos had an oceanfront ceremony on Key Biscayne in front of the picturesque lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Coral State Park. This couple began dating 10 years ago, so the two truly were each other's best friends. Bileyda's daughter made the cutest flower girl and she was so excited to participate in the ceremony. A friend of the couple officiated the ceremony that Bileyda wrote herself. These images are courtesy of Photography by Laurel, whose wedding was blogged a few months back. The beautiful bouquet was created by Gil Sosa, who is a very gifted artist and has such passion for his work.

My Bridal Shower

2009-03-23T04:12:00.006-04:00

It is my turn to be the bride-to-be! I was so excited thinking of my upcoming bridal shower, I could hardly stand it. All I can say is wow! I cannot believe all of the effort my girls made to make me feel so special and have a fabulous party in my honor. The theme was high heel shoes, which I love, with a sexy hot pink and black color scheme. The festivities took place at Perricone's Marketplace which is a hidden gem in downtown Miami. The talented Devynn Bohn from DB Images was on hand to capture the event.

Laurel and Nick's Wedding

2009-01-31T01:25:00.007-05:00

Laurel and I met while we were planning our own weddings on the forum of the knot.com. Laurel and Nick tied the knot on January 3, 2009 at the Jupiter Civic Center in Jupiter Beach, Florida. The ceremony was held on the beach and the bride walked down the aisle to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. The reception that followed was filled with details that Laurel had made herself. This do-it-yourself bride even made her own veil! The Civic Center is a fabulous blank canvas, but the challenge was bringing all elements from the outside into the space. Luckily, Karla from Stylish Events was also on hand, along with Laurel's friends, and together we set the scene. Laurel went all out by using paper lanterns and twinkling lights to set the stage. This wedding was captured on film by one of my favorite South Florida photographers, Devynn of DB Images