Zoë Gallina, LLC

We're WeddingWire Rated for 2011!

2011-07-07T10:45:00.002-04:00

Zoe Gallina,LLC is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011!

Tampa, FL - July 7, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Zoe Gallina Event Styling + Coordination is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for Wedding Planning. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.

Zoe Gallina, LLC has 15 reviews on WeddingWire. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.

"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. "Zoe Gallina Event Styling + Coordination has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."

As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program provides Zoe Gallina Event Styling + Coordination with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for Zoe Gallina Event Styling + Coordination on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.

For more information, please visit us on WeddingWire - Click HERE!

For more information on WeddingWire Rated 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including ProjectWedding.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Weddingbee.com, and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2011-07-01T14:28:00.004-04:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND! I hope your weekend is filled with family, friends and fireworks! <3

Image courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

Plated vs. Cocktail style receptions

2011-06-29T09:26:00.006-04:00

Brides and Grooms are starting to navigate away from a formal sit down dinner into a more cocktail-style reception. Whether it's heavy Hors d' oeuvers or Chef attended action stations, you have several fun options that will create the perfect setting for your big day.

Typically in a less formal setting Brides and Grooms love the idea that you don't necessarily have to have assigned seating or even a chair for EVERY guest. If you decide to not provide a chair for every guest, it's important to mixup your table sizes in order to let your guests know that it's not a traditional sit down dinner. It's also helpful if you have a planner or catering manager standing at the doors as guests enter to inform them that it is open seating.

BUT you must know a couple rules of thumb before you decide to go outside of the box:

1. Since you don't have a seat for everyone it's poor etiquette to have a Bridal Party Feasting table and/or Sweetheart table. Reserved tables here and there are allowed for Grandma and Grandad, but outside of that, it's a no-no.

2. Again since there is not a place for everyone your food selections should be stuff that can only be eaten with a fork. That means nothing where you need a fork AND knife. I.e. steak, tenderloin, etc. Now-a-days caterers have so many wonderful and creative mini-foods or one bite options that would be a perfect fit. :)

3. You know your guests more than anyone and it's important to consider them when deciding on the whole chair to person ratio. If you have many more elderly guests, you will need more chairs. I like to suggest having at least enough seating for 65-75% of your guest count.

There are so many great options to consider, but above are just a couple of tips of things to keep in mind! :) Happy Planning!

Paige and Chris are married at The Tampa Yacht Club

2011-06-28T06:39:00.004-04:00

Paige and her mother were such a pleasure to work with, planning every detail perfectly. The day was FILLED with family and friends, literally - the church was so full, there honestly wasn't room for one more. But a full church to me shows a lot of love and support. :)

Below is a sneak peek of some of their images from the wonderful to work with Michael and Rebecca from Limelight Photography.

To see more images Click HERE

Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that made this such a special day for Paige and Chris:

Ceremony: Dade City United Methodist Church
Reception: Tampa Yacht and Country Club
Photography: Limelight Photography
Floral, Linens and Draping: Botanica International Design Studio
Band: The Buzzcatz
Cake: Chocolate Pi
Quartet: The Dillingham Quartet

An Evening with Bryan Rafanelli

2011-06-24T15:50:00.003-04:00

We were thrilled to be invited to be a part of premier paperie, Urban Coast's fabulous industry event, an Evening with Bryan Rafanelli.

We had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of Bryan Rafanelli Event's company, from it's story from the very beginning through his planning and coordination of Chelsea Clinton's big day!

It was such a pleasure meeting such a humbled and talented professional. Planners inspire each other, it's what our industry is all about.

A HUGE thank you to Soosie and the fabulous ladies of Urban Coast for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful evening.

Picture of Zoe and Bryan Rafanelli courtesy of the talented Michael Schuhmann

Erin and Erik's Palm Beach Wedding

2011-06-22T08:37:00.004-04:00

Working with Erin and Erik, now, Mr. and Mrs. Schiller was such a wonderful experience. They are the kind of couple that makes me realize how much I love my job!.

Erin and Erik lived in New Jersey, I'm in Tampa and their wedding was in Palm Beach. Ah, the joy of technology! We had several skype dates, phone calls and numerous emails and at the end of the day, it couldn't have been a more perfect and flawless day.

Below is a video highlight from their wedding a long with a couple favorite photos from their big day. Photos courtesy of Lara Rios Photography and video, Brewer Photo and Video.

Erin & Erik from Kevin Brewer on Vimeo.

Venue: The Breakers, Palm Beach
Floral and Decor: The Design Studio at The Breakers
Band: Powerhouse Band
Photo: Lara Rios Photography
Videography: Brewer Photo and Video
Invitation and Day of Paper Designs: Elle Ette Designs
Wedding Planner: Us! And the fabulous assisting skills of Ashly Olivier of Olivier Events (thanks so much girl!)

Sneak Peek!

2011-01-26T21:17:00.003-05:00

A teaser photo from the fabulous Jason Mize of Jason Mize Photography from the wedding of Maribeth and Joseph at The Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, FL this past December.

We can't wait to share more of these beautiful photos!

Wedding Sneak peek!

2010-12-01T14:50:00.007-05:00

I couldn't have been more thrilled to be a part of Erin and Jay's wedding celebration! The evening was perfect and the Bride and Groom could not have been a more beautiful couple (inside and out). :)

Below are a couple sneak peek images from big day from the ever so talented, Mr. Ryan Joseph of R. Joseph Photographics.

The day was amazing and the resume of vendors involved couldn't have come together more perfectly to create this fabulous day!

The ceremony took place at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, complete with a string quartet, trumpet and choir. After a meaningful ceremony, the guests partied the night away at a private residence in South Tampa.

Ceremony: Hyde Park United Methodist Church
Reception: Private Residence
Caterer: Puff 'n Stuff Catering
Event Decor and Design: Botanica International Design Studio
Lighting: BayStage Lighting
Photographer: R. Joseph Photographics
Videographer: Voila Cinematic
Band: Southtown Fever
Transportation: Skyline Limousines
Ceremony Music: The Dillingham Quartet and The Master Chorale of Tampa
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Zoë Gallina Event Styling +Coordination

HUGE Kudos and THANK YOU to all of the vendors involved to create this beautiful wedding!

Award Finalist

2010-11-15T21:33:00.003-05:00

We are THRILLED to announce that we recently learned we have been announced a finalist in the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards for "Rising Star" of the year!

A couple of months ago we received an email stating we had been nominated for this award and after an extensive application process, the nominees were then accepted by judges to be placed in the finals. The awards then go to popular vote. December 1st voting officially begins, so make sure to stay tuned on how you can vote.

We are so honored to be selected as a finalist and congratulate all of the other finalists, especially those selected from our peers here in Tampa Bay!

For more information go to www.event-solutions.com

Sunny Florida??

2010-09-27T20:17:00.004-04:00

Here in Florida, we are all oh so familiar with this Florida weather. Yes, we are known as the sunshine state, but May-September, you never know what kind of weather you'll get. Of course, we always get use to those summer 30 minute afternoon showers, but some times, regardless of what the Weatherman predicts, you can never be too prepared.

In addition to Hurricanes and rain, when having an outdoor wedding, it's ALWAYS important to have a back-up plan. I know, we always cross our fingers and hope for the best, but in reality, having Plan B can help any added stress as we get closer to the big day.

This coming Saturday I'm soooo thrilled to be a part of the gorgeous wedding of Vanessa and Will. We've been planning since December and with the day swiftly approaching and the wedding being 100% outside, I've been glued to the 10-day forecast and also looking at our plan B.

I will continue to keep my fingers crossed, but in the meantime, below are a couple of things to consider when having an outdoor wedding that you should put on your radar.

1. Again, Having a Plan B!!! Also when constructing this plan, also consider how this will effect all of your vendors.

2. ALWAYS put a tent on reserve. Some tent companies will require a 50% deposit on this tent regardless of whether or not you actually use it the day of the wedding - yet another perk of working with a wedding planner, we have relationships with our vendors where sometimes they will work with us and overlook this deposit and will still pencil us in just in case. :)

3. Find out how inclement weather will effect your entertainment. Example A - when you hire a band, 9 times out of 10, if there is any sort of rain and their equipment is harmed in ANY WAY they will not play, that's right, even if you've paid the X-amount of dollars for this band, if their equipment gets wet, they are done before the evening has even started. Plan B - purchase a tarp. One large enough that even if you get that quick 10 minute afternoon shower, you can cover their equipment immediately and your crisis will be averted.

4. HEAT + cake = no fun. Always communicate with your cake baker that your wedding is outside. This will determine when they deliver the wedding cake (i.e at the very LAST minute) to ensure a non-melting sweating cake, etc. communicate where the wedding is as well as your timeline of when the cake cutting is scheduled to take place.

The list could go on and on. Believe me, I'm just as much the glass half full as anyone, but when it comes down to your wedding day and the money that you've invested, it's always so important to be prepared regardless.

Best of luck, fingers crossed and learn to love weather.com! :) BUT! I have to say, nothing is more beautiful than a wedding outside on the beach or near the water, especially to your out of town, northern guests. :)

We're featured!!!

2010-09-01T09:20:00.002-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that Zoë Gallina Event Styling and Coordination is featured in the latest issue of Brides Florida Magazine on stands September 8th! We are so excited to share this exciting news!

We were interviewed by the magazine about 'Best Buys' - Florida venues that offer the most bang for your buck. (page 136) and then also providing fun ideas for a Florida Themed welcome basket. (page 202)

This is such a wonderful magazine filled with great articles, inspiration and fun ideas! We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did. :)

Wedding Welcome Baskets

2010-08-26T16:11:00.003-04:00

Your guests are coming from all across the country, possibly even some from different parts of the world. In order to be a part of your amazing day, they have the expense of possibly driving or flying to your wedding, accomodations while they are there, not to mention the perfect wedding gift.

What's the best way to show them how much you appreciate them making the journey to be here for your big day while also keeping them informed of wedding activities? A welcome basket filled with goodies in their hotel room!

Finding the perfect bag to use to house these fun treats is so important. It's an expense invested that you want to make sure is put to good use, so why not find a bag that might coordinate with your wedding theme or decor, yet at the same time be reused for years to come by your guests. These are just a few of my favorites.

Fill these bags with anything to welcome your guests - Bottled water, snacks, sunscreen, advil, wedding weekend itineraries, hats, etc. the possibilities are endless - so make it a fun shopping project for yourself and show your guests just how much you appreciate them making the trip!

Bags can be found online at www.800giftbox.com or www.blissweddingsmarket.com

Hillery and Michael are married!

2010-08-23T17:11:00.003-04:00

July 24th I had the pleasure of being a part of Hillery and Michael's wedding. It was a wonderful day despite the slight sprinkling of rain and man did Hillery look beautiful!

It was such a fun Bridal Party and Hillery and her now Mother-in-law Gina, did a great job of selecting their wedding day team, as it was a seamless day!

Details are my most favorite things about a wedding day, from menu cards, to Italian cookies, to a candy buffet, everything was coordinated beautifully and no detail was left undone!

Images courtesy of the always wonderful Jason Angelini - to view more images click HERE to see Jason's Blog.

Thank you Hillery and Michael for allowing me to be a part of your big day!!

Wedding Vendors:

Church: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception: The Marriott Waterside
Photographer: Jason Angelini Photography
Videographer: Hearts Video
DJ: Doug Decker from Grant Hemond and Associates
Flowers: Botanica International Design Studio
Wedding Cake: Olympia Bakery
Make Up: Colours by Linny
Invitations: Not From a Box

A MUST purchase for any Bride or Groom!

2010-08-09T16:28:00.003-04:00

I've been slacking at my blogging, but a quick post to share, is a wedding magazine that must be owned by any and every Bride and Groom is Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine.

This magazine is packed with wonderful editorial, fabulous events and neverending inspiration! All of the events and table scapes are at the top of the curve in regards to design - it's a magazine I keep issue after issue.

Luckily for you, their most recent issue of the magazine is out on newsstands now!

Available at Barnes and Noble and Borders, make sure you pick up your copy today - pour a glass of wine and enjoy the turn each page. :)

WEBSITE UPDATES!

2010-07-12T15:10:00.003-04:00

My favorite thing about a wedding once it's said and done and weeks down the road when it starts to becomes a fond memory, is when the photographer finishes editing the photos!!

In the past couple of weeks, I've received several images from photographers from my most recent spring weddings. And nothing excites me more than seeing those images!!

Below are just a couple teaser images, but in order to see the others you must visit my website as we've moved things around, replacing old photos with new! :) Enjoy!

Wedding Parasols

2010-07-11T21:13:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I love photos from weddings where the Bride and Bridesmaids pose with parasols that coordinate with their wedding color or theme.

What's one thing your guests and anyone wants to see once you wedding has come and gone?? Wedding pictures!! So to kill two birds with one stone, take advantage of having a professional photographer and give your guests something they want...

On etsy.com I found these cute handpainted parasols that say various things - 'Just Married' - 'Save the Date' or 'Thank you'. Purchase a 'thank you' or 'just married' parasol and make sure you have it handy on your big day. This would make a really cute photo that you could send out to your guests in your beautifully handwritten and heartfelt thank you note to your Aunt for the kitchen aid mixer - or perhaps you are get married in the fall, a fun picture to add to your Christmas card! :)

I'm sure including this in a thank you note to your guests or creating a Christmas card with this image will certainly land you a premium spot on the refridgerator! :)

To purchase a handpainted parasol or other fun items check out www.IDOORIGINALS.COM

Think PINK!

2010-07-06T20:42:00.005-04:00

A wedding is and should be the biggest expression of your personality. It's all about the details, the details are what seperate your wedding from your sister's wedding or your best friend's.

Brooke loved the little details and of course, pink. :) She was the most organized Bride that I've ever worked with and I LOVED it! Aside from a pink reception - Brooke conquered the details! From a Blue Bell Ice Cream "stand" at the wedding, to personalized koozies, cocktail napkins, chocolates and matches, to end of the night munchies and perfectly choreographed first dances (yes that is plural) - no detail was left forgotten!

For more amazing images Click HERE to Moberg Photography's blog!

Besides from covering all of the details, Brooke created a great team of vendors to help her through this beautiful day:

Church: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception: Higgins Hall
Photographer: Moberg Photography
Videographer: Video Visions
Florist: Nancy Berry
Band: DeLeon Entertainment
Wedding Cake: L’Artisan Cake Atelier
Groom's Cake: Island Girl Cakes
Coordinator: Us! :)

Thanks Brooke and Doug for allowing us to be a part of your special day!!!

Annette and Michael are Married!!!

2010-06-28T14:21:00.003-04:00

I had SUCH a great time helping Annette and her mom plan her May 22nd wedding at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ybor City and Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. It was the kind of wedding where the Bride and Groom had the most amazing families and at the end of the day, I was so sad that the wedding was over.

Family and Friends ate great food, drank and danced the night away in such a beautiful setting!! At the end of the evening we butler passed grilled cheese sandwiches and personalized to go bags filled with the most delicious doughnuts from a local baker. As the guests sent Michael and Annette off with a rose petal exit - the couple drove off in the Father of the Bride's gorgeous vintage Porche that had all of the male guests drooling. ;)

A couple sneek peek images below with more to follow!

Annette selected a fabulous list of vendors that did a such phenominal job!

Church: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Reception: Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club
Florist/Decor: Botanica International Design Studio
Photographer: Lauren Pauline Photography
Band: The Shawn Brown Band
Wedding and Groom's cake: Chocolate Pi
Make Up: Colours by Linny
Coordination: Us! :)

Click HERE to see more photos!

"I saw the sign!"

2010-06-27T12:55:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite song from the 90s by Ace of Base! LOL. I couldn't help but use that as the title for this blog post.

Today while playing around on Etsy I found super cute wedding signs. Not every Bride or Groom needs a sign to direct their guest to their desired location. But I've seen them in magazines from featured weddings and I love them for some reason.

Whether it's telling somewhere were the ceremony or reception is, or even the bathroom (a question I get 500 times at a wedding regardless of its location) - why not add a little design to it. :)

Click HERE to purchase

Click HERE to purchase

It's also fun to have signs on the back of the new Mr. and Mrs. chairs - not a necessity, but a fun detail. :)

Click HERE to purchase

Another little detail - your initals on the entry doors to either your church or reception venue. It's always nice, especially at a church to really let your guests knonw exactly where to go or what doors to enter - this is a cute detail, but also a nice way of saying "enter here". :)

Click HERE to purchase

As for ETSY ladies - this website is absolutely amazing!!! If you haven't been, please do. A great place for everything! Bridesmaids gifts, personalized wedding items, wedding day accessories, etc.

Enjoy!

8 Fabulous Reasons of WHY you should hire a wedding planner...

2010-06-23T17:51:00.003-04:00

I wish I had written this article, but unfortunately I did not - BUT I plan on referencing this article on a regular basis when I meet with new clients and will obviously quote this wonderful author when doing so. :) I had a Bride ask me about hiring a planner vs. using the Catering Manager at her venue. And without giving a bias explanation from myself (well, a small bias explanation), I found this article to be very useful that coincidentally landed in my email inbox today. :) Enjoy.

Eight Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner - An etiquette and protocol expert explains why hiring a wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps…

Article contributed by Luxurious Wedding Etiquette & Protocol Expert, Claudia Lutman

Congratulations! You are engaged and you are elated. Your wedding day is going to be the most important day of your life and you envision everything is going to be perfect. You want to be involved. You have planned parties that have wowed your friends. You want to take a hands-on approach to the planning of your wedding and the prospect excites you.

Yes, the thought of planning a wedding is very exhilarating. But in reality, it is like solving a Rubik’s Cube. Getting all the pieces to work together and fit together precisely to complete the design is the objective.
It may look like a seamless process but it is not easy. A wedding requires Synergy – the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Much like a movie, a wedding has to be produced, scripted, edited, and directed. As a visual feast for the eyes, a wedding has to have a flow and a tempo. It needs to be as pleasing for your guests as it is for you.
As the star of your movie, can you envision yourself being the central character, producer, editor, director, and run interference for all minor details on your wedding day?

If you are having more than 25 guests, the idea of working with a wedding planner should appeal to you. As the creative director for the most important day of your life, your wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps that could ruin your day.

Reason # 1:

A Theme Is More Than A Hodgepodge of Great Ideas
Your ideas are fabulous. But they are only the foundation of your theme. Remember: They are only ideas and pictures ripped out of magazines. Brides have ended up blowing their budget on one item to the detriment of the whole wedding. This is where your wedding planner becomes your magician. Knowing all the tricks and resources, your wedding planner can create a theme that runs through the whole event. They see the whole picture. If budget is a constraint, they will advise you how to economize and still achieve a similar look.

Reason #2:

Is Your Budget A Guideline Or A Blueprint For Bankruptcy?

A budget is an essential part of your wedding planning. Even a million-dollar wedding has a budget. A budget will give you perspective and it will center you. It will be a great comfort to you when you want to know where you stand financially. Expenses tend to mount up quickly, and your budget will always give your a realistic assessment. I have witnessed brides being so out of control that they end up randomly buying items that have no rhyme or reason. That money could have been spent elsewhere to make the wedding a better experience for the guests. Being realistic about your budget is essential. Don’t fool yourself with a figure knowing you can go over it. You will only be hurting your chances of selecting the best possible vendors. Your wedding planner is your accountant and will believe the budget you give them. They honestly try to work within your parameters. Therefore, decide on a realistic figure so your wedding planner can recommend the vendors who will deliver the best work within your budget.

Reason #3:
The Venue Event Manager
When the event manager from your venue tells you they can do your wedding planning, they are not lying. They will do everything under the sun to oversee everything they are responsible for; however, they are not responsible for 90 percent of the details that go into your wedding. Some brides are shocked when things go wrong. They thought their venue person would be on top of things. Not necessarily. If they have several events that day, they can’t be held responsible for letting you know your flowers haven’t arrived or your best man is held up in traffic. Imagine walking into a bald room instead of the floral intensive ballroom you paid for. Your wedding planner is your overseer. Their job is to make sure everything arrives on time and complete. If you have 15 tables, 13 centerpieces just won’t do. They will get the florist to fix it. If the videographer does not show up, they should be able to find a replacement for you. Things happen, but it is your wedding planner’s job to see that things are fixed and end up perfect. Your wedding planner is your fairy godmother.

Reason #4
Timelines And Other Annoying Details
Checklists. Do we know anyone who likes them? And timelines. “Who has time to think of these boring things? I’m getting married!” I recall one bride saying. Actually, you might not be getting married after all if the minister does not show up. Timelines are critical. Timelines are necessary. And timelines keep your wedding planner sane. They thrive on them. You, however, should never be subjected to them. These are the things a bubbling bride should be kept far away from. They will certainly kill the excitement.

Reason #5

Synergy Applies To Vendors Too
There are vendors who work so well together you almost get double your monies worth. Having a vendor with an attitude can affect everyone. Your wedding planner knows these things and will steer you in the right direction. By involving your wedding planner in the selection of vendors from the invitations on, you will be guided down the path of success. After all, synergy is what we are striving for!

Reason #6

What Are The Rules?
Brides need a go-to person for etiquette, wedding-related questions, and to keep the planning timeline moving forward. All brides need a liaison to help keep emotions and relationships from straining during planning. Your wedding planner is a combination of Martha Stewart and Emily Post. Do you really have the time and inclination to research, answer, and solve the problem yourself?

Reason #7
Overtime Charges Accrue Faster Than Champagne Pours
One hour of overtime with a location site or photographer can cost you plenty! Everyone is on the clock and so is your wedding planner. The difference is your wedding planner is on your clock. They keep everything in motion so extra costs are avoided. In the end, your wedding planner is the most cost effective choice you can make.

Reason #8
Frazzled Is Not Fabulous
Wedding planning and the events that lead up to your day will be stressful. You should have one job only. Keeping yourself relaxed and living in the moment. You need time to take in and enjoy this special day. Be with your loved ones. Be happy. Be kind. And mostly, be assured that your wedding is going to be the most fabulous day of your life.
Yes, all weddings have glitches. And yours will, too. But your wedding planner will make sure you never have to deal with or see them. You may never even know anything out of the ordinary happened. And that is the sign that you are a genius at wedding planning. You started out with great ideas, hired a wedding planner to bring them to life, and sat back like a pampered princess on your wedding day accepting all the accolades that you deserve.

Monday!

2010-06-21T21:14:00.003-04:00

Monday mornings I tend to have a familiar thought first thing in the morning - COFFEE! With that being said, I thought to use that as inspiration for my blog post today. :)

Everyone offers coffee to their guests at a wedding. Whether it's Grandma that wants a cup with her slice of cake, or a girlfriend needing a little boost to make sure she lasts long enough to dance to Donna Summer's "Last Dance" at the end of the night.

Rather than just offering it to the table which can be typical at a wedding, why not mix it up a little to make it more exciting than just a simple cup of coffee.

Cafe Ala Carte can be the perfect addition to your wedding day! It is the complete upscale espresso and cappucino experience for your guests - not to mention its super cute set up! :) They offer flavored lattes, espressos, cappucinos, hot chocolate and more!

I've had clients utilize their service at events and I've been to events where Cafe Ala Carte provided their services. They are fabulous to work with and the coffee is delicious - complete with friendly baristas!

For more information click HERE to visit their website.

Not only will you appreciate the extra pep in your step when midnight rolls around, but so will your guests!

Lauren and Brad are married!

2010-06-16T21:25:00.004-04:00

This past Spring I had the pleasure of working with Lauren and her Mother JoEllen on planning her April 17th wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and The Westshore Yacht Club in Tampa, FL.

Laura and Brad were a beautiful couple and they couldn't have chosen a more perfect setting to celebrate as man and wife. We had a little bit of rain at the end of the night, but it certainly did not stop the party!

Alex and Jocelyn Karas of Voila Cinematic created this wonderful 5 minute clip of their wedding day. I hope you enjoy!

Lauren & Bradford Donaldson from Voila Cinematic on Vimeo.

It was an evening filled with details! From a customized sign in book including pictures of ALL of the wedding guests made by Lauren's mother, to Butler passed Taco Bell tacos at midnight to help with the late night muncies (yes, I said Taco Bell at a wedding and let me just tell you HOW MUCH of a hit that was!!), along with mini Ben and Jerry's ice cream cups for the guests to enjoy while they ate their slice of wedding cake!

They had a fabulous team of wedding vendors to help them put on quite the spectacular celebration:

Church: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception: Westshore Yacht Club
Florals: Grymes Cannon Designs
Photographer: Erin Martino Photography
Videographer: Voila Cinematic
Transportation: Skyline Limousines
Vintage Car: Danny Green
Band: Full Circle
Cake: Publix Greenwise
Invitations: Paper Presence
Wedding Planner: Zoë Gallina Event Styling and Coordination :)

Flower girls and Ring Bearers

2010-06-15T22:03:00.003-04:00

Many times I have clients ask me about the appropriate age of flower girls and ring bearers. Wedding etiquette will say that the appropriate age of a "little person" in a wedding should range between the ages of four years and seven years. Why? In most cases, children younger than four years old (unless mature for their age) can have a difficult time following direction or can easily be intimidated by a crowd of people. Children older than seven years old should be considered a junior bridesmaid or junior groomsman.

I'm a big advocate of saying that it's your wedding day and it's important to do something that makes you happy, but at the same time, it's also good to consider all aspects of your decision.

If you are set on having your two year old nephew walk down the aisle, then please, by all means have him walk down the aisle. The important thing to prepare yourself for is the possibility of stage fright and that your little one won't want to make that big walk all alone.

Solution: having a small group of little people walk down the aisle together helps to give them the confidence sometimes needed to complete their flower girl or ring bearer duties. So rather than have little Bobby walk down the aisle by himself, have him walk with his 5 year old sister and 3 year old cousin.

At the very least if you have a little person that isn't quite ready to perform they offer quite the comic relief to what can be a very nervous moment. About 8 times out of 10 they will walk down the aisle, no matter how nervous they were to do so the night before. And my apologies now to any of my future Brides and parents of the "little person", but when I'm in a pinch and someone isn't behaving before their big walk or they start to get nervous, I always find what works best is to offer (I feel like a bad person to say 'bribe')a slice of wedding cake after the ceremony at the reception. Little people and the word cake sometimes works like magic. ;)

Choreographed First Dances?

2010-06-14T19:19:00.002-04:00

To choreograph your first dance or not? That is the big question. I've worked with countless couples helping them to plan their big day and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your first dance.

My advice - do whatever you are comfortable with. I would say about 1/4 of the weddings that I've been a part of, have had a choreographed first dance. And when done properly, it can be beautiful. But let's be honest here, if you're husband has two left feet and you're a perfectionist, I STRONGLY advise against it!

Why, you ask?! Because the goal of your wedding day is to enjoy the day, and having this added stress of 'will I remember the moves' or ' what if I miss a step' is just NOT something you should be thinking about on your wedding day. Your wedding day itself (for the Brides) should consist of three things:

1. Enjoying every moment and being with people you love.
2. Getting your Hair and Make up done.
3. Showing up to the ceremony on time.

Something else to think about - your first dance should be a moment between you and your new husband - a time to take in the reality that you are now husband and wife. If you aren't 100% comfortable rather than tears of joy, whispering to each other how much you love one another and a neverending smile - you'll both have looks of stern concentration as you count in your head to make sure you keep with the beat and not miss a step.

The compromise? Take dance lessons before your wedding to boost your confidence of dancing in front of 100 plus people, but don't have a choregraphed dance. Dance lessons are such a fun and different thing to do together - a time to laugh at one another as you step on each others toes.

Watching the first dance is my favorite moment in wedding planning. I love how in love the new Mr. and Mrs. look - smiling and whispering, taking in the moment.

So the lesson learned is - just do what makes you feel comfortable because 10, 20, 50 years down the road you don't want your memory of your first dance to be how mad you were at your new husband because he forgot to turn you instead of walk to the left! :)

OR if you must... have fun with it ;)

Honeymoon tip!

2010-06-11T13:52:00.003-04:00

I'm back to blogging! Sorry for the delay! LOL.

I have a very valuable piece of advice I've recently learned and wanted to share when it comes to planning your honeymoon, but before I go into that, one thing I wanted to share regarding your honeymoon is to make the most of your vacation and enjoy every moment! When my husband and I got married he had just started a new job so we were limited to a week long honeymoon. We enjoyed every moment, but if I could do it all over again and his job wasn't a factor, I would have at least stayed for 2 weeks!! I know, you might say money is a factor - BUT I feel like we never put as much thought and preparation into a vacation as much as we do for our honeymoon. And let's be honest, the shorter your honeymoon, the quicker you get back to reality! So I say, splurge on your honeymoon! Whether that means you stay at a luxury resort or extend your stay. Even if it means you'll eat Ramen noodles for the months leading up to it, I'm telling you, you won't regret it!

Ok, so the important fact I learned! I've always gone back and forth about rental car companies. I feel like when you're at the desk getting the car, they try and sell you all of these optional items and you second guess yourself as to whether or not you really need it. And sometimes, you end up adding on hundreds of dollars (literally) to your rental bill!

Before you leave on your vacation call your car insurance company that you currently hold insurance with and explain your situation and ask them if they cover you in a rental car. I called my company (state farm) and they said that, YES! They do indeed cover you even if you are in a rental car! So for my husband and I's upcoming vacation we just saved a ton because normally, they not only charge you per day for car insurance (around $10-15) but also PER PERSON! So make sure to call and find out beforehand so you can save that money and spend it on something much more rewarding like spa services. :) And also if you have a GPS pack it in your suitcase and take it with you. GPS's in your rental car add an additional $15 a DAY to your bill! Happy Honeymooning!

Real Weddings!!

2010-05-14T10:50:00.002-04:00

I have been horribly delayed on blogging. So very sorry! But as a result, I will make it up, but posting links to two of my most recent weddings that have been featured on the photographer's blogs.

First, the wedding of Christina and Tony - April 3, 2010 on the U.S American Victory Ship! A great time for everyone! Click HERE to see the great photos done by Janie Koike of Life Writing Photography

Also, I have wonderful pictures to share as well of Nicole and Garrett's Wedding - March 20, 2010 at The Tampa Garden Club - a beautiful garden wedding! Photos courtesy of Kallima Photography - Click HERE to see those photos.

TGIF!

Don CeSar Preferred Vendor!

2010-04-07T18:40:00.003-04:00

I am excited to announce that late last year I was asked by The Don CeSar to be one of their preferred wedding planners! Just recently, their wedding vendor magazine/brochure came out and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

Take a look below!

Click HERE to access the e-brochure

Wedding Teaser!

2010-04-05T15:28:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Christina and Tony. Their reception was on such a unique venue and the thing I love about a unique venue is that it serves as a new experience for all of your guests. Not to mention, it was a true reflection of the Bride and Groom's personality and their shared love of the water. Their reception took place on the historic American Victory Ship, docked behind the Florida Aquarium. It was a picture perfect day and I can't wait to share more photos!

Image courtesy of Life Writing Photography

Find us on Wedding Wire!

2010-03-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

I think it's so important as a Bride to get feedback from vendor's previous client's BEFORE booking their services.

I will admit that I do read the Knot Blogs every now and then and I have to say, the advice some brides give each other really scares me. Why? Because Brides ask for vendor referrals on there and get referrals from the other "knotties" but the problem is, they aren't married yet! They are giving referrals BEFORE they have received the services provided. And as that might be all good and well, you never really know how great a vendor is until AFTER you have worked with them!

SO with that being said, below is a link to find Zoë Gallina, Inc. on Wedding Wire! Wedding Wire is an online site for current and past brides. It serves as a great reference for current brides to do a little research on their vendors by allowing their past brides to review the vendors services.

Take a look and ALWAYS make sure to research your vendors BEFORE signing the contract. Just because you's Aunt's Daughter used them for her wedding, doesn't mean they are an A+ vendor.

CLICK HERE to visit Weddingwire.com

Voila Cinematic Reinvention Soiree

2010-03-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

When planning your wedding, I can't express enough the importance of having a videographer to capture your day. You might not watch your wedding video every day, but I can promise you, once your wedding has come and gone you will be SO thankful that you made the investment to have a wedding film created for you and your family.

With that being said, at the beginning of this year, I had the pleasure of working with Alex and Jocelyn Karas, owners of Voila Cinematic to create their Reinvention Soiree for the relaunch of their company's marketing materials as well as a vendor appreciation event.

We had a blast and Jocelyn and Alex not only the most amazing people, but their films they create, yes films, are just stunning. Below is a clip from their event.

We had a great time, filled with entertainment; dancers, guitarists and a band - a photo booth, "concession stand" filled with popcorn and candy and of course great food, drinks and company.

Voila Cinematic Reinvention Soiree from Voila Cinematic on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

Busy weekend!

2010-03-06T08:31:00.005-05:00

This weekend I am thrilled to be a part of Nicole and Dave's wedding at The Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, FL. They are such an amazing couple - so easy going and laid back. From the rehearsal yesterday I can definitely tell today is going to be nothing short of a blast! With a great team of vendors behind them, I can't wait to share more details and photos!

After the wedding it's off to Vegas!! (well, Sunday early AM) Now that I'm just shy of 24 hours from leaving I'm starting to get super pumped about it! I'm going to Vegas for The Event Solutions Conference. It's filled with educational sessions about the wedding and event industry, events and a tradeshow filled with the newest and coolest things for weddings and events. Sunday I arrive and plan on hurrying off the plane to attend the Event Planner's Bootcamp.

Again, I can't wait to share all that I learn, the latest trends and hopefully some photos! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and week - I'll be back Thursday...

Awards Show Season

2010-02-08T13:21:00.004-05:00

Sorry I've been such an MIA blogger recently! The past month has completely flown by! Needless to say, this has been a really great year so far! :)

Ok - so now to my post. Awards Show Season is such an important time for Brides-to-be, and most don't even know it! Why, you might say? Hair style inspiration!! When searching for the perfect 'do' for your big day, get inspiration from our biggest trendsetters... celebs!

If you find a photo of a celeb you love, print it out and take it to your hair trial run with your stylist and if you love it, don't forget to take a photo of you with your hairstyle - it will help serve as a reminder for your stylist on the day of your wedding.

Below are a couple favorites of mine from the Golden Globes and Grammys. So don't forget to watch the Oscars this year for your red carpet wedding day look! :)

Website Updates!

2009-12-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

I always love getting new pictures from weddings that I've been a part of! With that said, please take a look at my website for new photos and testimonials!

Also, I hope you enjoy the new look of Zoë Gallina, Inc! We are in love with our new look!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!

O' the tiny webs we weave...

2009-12-22T15:50:00.005-05:00

It's so funny to see what a small world we live in and how in a way we all can cross paths as one point in our lives.

With that being said, below is a picture that I love from a recent wedding I coordinated. It's a picture from the wedding of Matthew and McLean, married October 3rd.

This is a picture of the Bride, McLean hugging one of her Bridesmaid's Kathryn. I love this picture, 1. because it's beautiful, but 2. They were both my Brides - I had a pleasure of being a part of Kathryn's wedding just a couple months before on June 20th. They were both bridesmaid's in each others wedding. I got to know both Kathryn and McLean so well throughout the planning process of their weddings. They were amazing people to work with, beautiful both inside and out.

I feel like this picture perfectly depicts the excitement and joy surrounding a Bride's wedding day, not only for the Bride, but the people that also have the honor of sharing the day with you.

Vote Now!!!

2009-12-14T18:55:00.002-05:00

Ian so excited to annouce that my Dad, Ian Prosser, was nominated as Event Solution's "Designer of the Year"! Just last week we learned Ian was selected by judges as one of nine finalists in the country for this award!

Now that the judges have selected him as a finalist it's up to YOU to help Ian become the winner! Click HERE to vote for Ian Prosser as Designer of the Year!

Voting is open until January 31st, 2010! The winner will be announced at the March 8th Event Solutions Conference in Las Vegas!

Fingers Crossed!!! Don't forget to tell your family and friends to help us SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Wedding Sneak Peek! Anne and John

2009-12-08T18:24:00.004-05:00

With wedding planning, I've traveled all over the Tampa Bay area and have been taken as far as Savannah, Georgia. But on November 7th, I had the opportunity to travel the farthest a wedding I've planned has ever taken me, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

After months of emailing, phone calls and a quick trip in July, Anne and John were married in the beautiful city of Windsor. As I wait to receive more photos, I've included a sneak peak. But all I can say is, not only were they such a beautiful couple, they both came from amazing families. It was a true pleasure working with them for their wedding.

The wedding was a blast! Great couple, tons of details (my favorite), awesome band, amazing food and drinks - it couldn't have been any better!

Stay tuned for more!!

Photo courtesy of Trevor Booth Photography

Waterfront Beach Chic Wedding

2009-12-03T15:40:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of being a part of Gantt and Alisha's "Beach chic" wedding at OysterCatchers Restaurant at The Grand Hyatt this past November. For a smaller sized wedding, this is a perfect and absolutely gorgeous venue! We couldn't have had more beautiful weather. The day and the setting was just perfect. Below are a couple photos from their big day. More to follow on my website, but in the meantime, please enjoy. :)

Venue: OysterCatchers
Floral and Decor: Botanica International Design Studio
Wedding Cake: Tracey Savage - 813.309.1039
Guitarist: Ted Wray- 727.570.8713
Coordinating: Us :)
Photography: Stehlik Foto

A huge thanks to all of the vendors involved and to Jessie and Paul of Stehlik Foto for providing the beautiful images!!

Thanksgiving Details Part Two

2009-11-23T21:23:00.003-05:00

Menu Cards!

If your house is like mine, the side dish options are absolutely endless. So why not help your guests out by telling them exactly what their options are!

Whether you make your own, or use this super cute template from MarthaStewart.com.

Click HERE to download this menu template.

Either way it's another small detail you can do to personalize your Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Details

2009-11-23T20:51:00.003-05:00

It's the small things that can make your Thanksgiving guests feel as if you went the extra mile. If cooking isn't your forte, but you still want to contribute something to your family's Thanksgiving feast, below are a couple suggestions of small details you can do to add your own touch. Now, I don't have any photos, but I think I, myself might test these ideas out in well, T-minus 48 hours. :)

Place cards - Whether it's a cute added touch or a way to avoid family drama, assign seats at your Thanksgiving table by making individual place cards for each of your guests.

1. Go to your neighborhood grocery store, like Publix, etc. and buy small gourds and pumpkins, one per guest. (make sure they are small enough to put at each place setting) Mix it up, the more unusual and mismatched, the better.

2. Then either go to a local craft store and purchase some nice recycled ivory cardstock. Cut the paper into small rectangular pieces (large enough to write a first name). Add your own creative touch - burn the edges with paper, cut the edges with fun scissors.

4. Handwrite each name in perhaps either a chocolate brown fine point marker or even pick a fun font from your computer screen (obviously if you type them on your computer cut them into pieces after printing).

5.Finally take a small pin and pin each of the rectangular pieces with the names onto each individual gourd or pumpkin.

6. And voila! You have personalized place cards that will make your guests envious that they didn't stop and think about the details before rushing into cooking the turkey!

So in the bustle of the holiday season, take a moment to stop and think about the small details and of course, think about the people in your life that you couldn't be more thankful for. Happy (early) Thanksgiving!!!

SW Magazine delay...

2009-11-17T13:06:00.002-05:00

So with the new issue of Southern Weddings out, I'm sad (but yet still excited) to say that after speaking with the photographer that I worked with on this wedding, that our wedding feature has now been pushed back until the Spring issue. The good news is it's still getting featured and it will be another thing to look forward to in the new year. :)

BUT this issue is so amazing, I still do recommend running out and purchasing a copy. It's filled with great ideas, color schemes, etc. A perfect source of inspiration for any Bride or Groom!

Southern Weddings Magazine

2009-11-01T18:13:00.003-05:00

I am OVERLY excited to announce that, Zoë Gallina, Inc. has the honor of being published! Well, not me personally, but one of my weddings. :)

The issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday, November 11th. I'm not exactly sure if I'll be mentioned, or exactly what they will feature in the article, but it's still exciting regardless.

I'm not allowed to mention what wedding it is until the issue comes out. But until then, make sure to get the issue! I myself, will probably purchase a couple issues. :)

Stay Tuned! ZG

McLean and Matthew

2009-10-26T13:19:00.003-04:00

My most recent wedding, was the wedding of McLean and Matthew that took place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club in Tampa, FL.

McLean and Matt were such a beautiful couple. I had a wonderful time working with McLean and her mother to create their wedding. It was a beautiful day and a perfectly flawless wedding. Flawless = my favorite weddings! :)

McLean's photographer, Lauren with Lauren Pauline Photography just recently sent me a slide show from the big day, that I wanted to share. I hope this brings you inspiration or at the very least, a smile. :)

Click HERE to vew the slide show.

Below are a list of all of the fabulous vendors involved!

Church: First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Tampa
Reception: Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club
Photography: Lauren Pauline Photography
Floral and Decor: Botanica International Design Studio
Linens: Linens by the Sea
Band: The Maxx
Cake: Chocolate Pi
Transportation: The Jolly Trolley

My next wedding, is the wedding of Anne and John in Windsor, ON - Canada. I am so thrilled to be a part of this wedding and I honestly can't wait! The wedding is Saturday, November 7th. With all of the details getting finalized, the countdown is on! :) I'll share pictures ASAP!

Could this be a first dance?

2009-10-22T22:10:00.002-04:00

I always love finding new potential first dance songs to share with my Bride and Grooms if they're in need of the perfect song to dance to as the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Even though this isn't a 'new' song, I've recently been obsessed with it. Finding myself hitting repeat on Napster.

I welcome any thoughts as to whether or not this would be a good first dance song. As I've listened to it a million times, I can't decide if it's about being in love, breaking up, or having a crush on someone? I think I get distracted at how beautiful the song is and how amazing Sara's voice is. Any thoughts?

Song - "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles

Fun Fact about me - My favorite wedding moment: Out of EVERYTHING that happens that day, my favorite moment is when the Bride and Groom have their first dance. Why? Reason 1. I love seeing how in love they look together, so happy - truly the perfect moment. 2. I also love watching both the Bride and Groom's parents watch the first dance, a time when they are able to take a moment and can truly see how happy their child is, something I'm sure all parents want more than anything in the world, just for their child to be happy.

So back to the inital point of my post... listen to the song, you'll love it immediately, but what type of song is it? Could this be a first dance song? Let me know! :)

My guilty pleasure.

2009-10-22T21:56:00.003-04:00

I'm starting to realize that I'm not the only non-teen who fell in love with the Twilight Series. Its popularity seems to continually soar, and with each new movie its number of fans grow exponentially.

With that being said, I always love any excuse to get a group of girlfriends together(and throw a party). Recently, a friend sent me this link and immediately I fell in love and decided that hosting a Twilight Party for the premier of the next movie was a necessity.

Take a look at this site below - it has such creative and cute ideas and takes the term 'Twilight Fan' to a whole new level.

Perhaps I'll post some pictures from me and my gal pal's Twilight Party after it's over. :) But until then, here are some ideas if you're in the market for a reason to entertain!

http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/04/host-a-twilight-theme-party-at-home/

Wedding featured on TheKnot.com

2009-10-17T21:31:00.002-04:00

I was thrilled to learn that my past Bride, Lauren and Groom, Evan's wedding has been featured as a real wedding on www.TheKnot.com! Very exciting! I encourage everyone to check it out!

http://myrealwedding.theknot.com/photo/view/Lauren-and-Evan039s-Savannah-Wedding

Vacation Inspiration

2009-10-17T18:49:00.008-04:00

So I must apologize, as I have been horrible at blogging recently! When life gets busy, you never seem to realize exactly how fast the days, weeks and months fly by.

My husband and I along with some close friends just got back from a beautiful trip to the North Carolina Mountains. While there we visited a beautiful little winery and it made me realize how much I sometimes wish I lived in the Carolinas. After enjoying an afternoon at the local vineyard/winery, it made me yearn for more places in Florida that couples can take and transform into something completely their own. A place that gave your guests a completely different experience.

The Crane Creek Vineyards is the perfect destination for a beautiful quaint North Georgia wedding - complete with guest houses! Check out the website for more info.

A couple things I loved from this location were:

1. It's 'reception' area - perfect blank canvas to create a gorgeous Southern Wedding. Something Florida doesn't have an abundance of, are locations with a beautiful view with options to create a personalized wedding from scratch. Below is what I'm talking about - the potential for this place is amazing!

2. The View - it's absolutely beautiful, this picture doesn't really do it justice. But imagine a day with beautiful weather (no humidity) and this view below. Your guests will be in heaven!

3. The quirky, yet perfect location appropriate decor. I fell in love with these chairs and the hanging mason jars from the ceiling with votives.

I hope you enjoy the quirkiness and uniqueness of this location as much as I did.

Chat soon! - Zoe

Hotel Room Blocks

2009-09-17T21:50:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted... I guess I've had 'bloggers-block'. Any-hoo! I received some inspiration from one of my Brides. Hotel Room Blocks!

A couple key things to note before signing on the dotted line...

1. READ THE CONTRACT!

2. See above and MAKE SURE that you are not held responsible for the rooms not used. i.e. your unused rooms will get released after a certain date. Some places will take your credit card and then charge you when your guests don't book! So that could end up being QUITE the expensive! Read all of the fine print and ASK questions! ALSO make sure your guests know that there is a DEADLINE for receiving the room block discount!

3. Double check that the dates are correct and if you have a lot of out of town guests, make sure to reserve a slightly smaller amount of rooms (or the same amount depending on how many are out of town) for the night before your wedding for early travelers.

And finally - when booking your room block, ask them about their policies/fees for welcome bags for your guest's rooms. Some hotels will let you place them behind the front desk and the staff will hand them to your guests as they check-in for free, others will charge you a fee PER ROOM to deliver the bags to their room!

Just some small hints that could help make everyone's life easier. :)

When life hands you a lemon, you make lemonade.

2009-07-26T15:45:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share some photos of the most recent wedding I was a part of. I primarily worked with the Bride and her mother, and all I can say is that they are both two of the most amazing people I've ever worked with. They truly are both beautiful people inside and out. And if I didn't already know that, after this wedding is was quite clear. :)

As their photographer, Erik Clausen of Poser Image states in his blog - this was QUITE the unfortgettable wedding for many reasons. But mainly, for the reasons and situations that were completely out of anyone's control. (he goes into more detail on his blog).

But at the end of the day, Kathryn and Tyler are married. And as it was one of the most unforgettable events I'll ever be a part of, Kathryn and Tyler never let anything ruin the fact that they were finally married. And hence, we had our lemonade. :)

I hope you enjoy this wedding, all things included, as much as I did.

www.iamaposer.com

Creating an unfortgettable wedding ...

2009-07-23T12:05:00.002-04:00

A friend sent this to me and it was too great to NOT share!

As you can see creating an unforgettable wedding for your guests doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag - all you need is a great song and a willing bridal party. :)

Click on the link below to enjoy. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

What Photography Personality are you?

2009-07-06T13:26:00.003-04:00

Anytime I have one of my Bride's ask me for great wedding photographer recommendations my first question is always "what style of photography do you like?". It's a simple question, that can easily be answered, it just takes a little bit of research on your end to find 'your photography personality'.

So how does this happen? Well, what I do to help my Brides is send them some of my favorite photographers in the area's websites (I obviously send them a bunch of sites of different photographers with different styles of photography). This is the best way to find your "PP" - aka Photography Personality. By looking at different photographer websites you'll start to learn what style of photography you are more drawn to. For instance, tradtional, artistic, etc.

We are fortunate to have so many amazing photographers all over the place, but the important thing to note, a photographer I might love, might not be of the same style and taste of photography that you love. So it's important to find YOUR "PP" and then from there select a photographer that matches your style, etc. from there.

Off topic, but another VERY important thing to note and research when finding your wedding photographer is their reputation - well, actually something you should always consider when looking for any wedding vendor. I've had a couple brides book photographers without running their name past me. They went ahead and booked them and then told me about it, and by that time, it's too late. On about 3 occasions they have booked a photographer that I know does not have a good reputation and we've had to deal with numerous issues, such as, double booking their date, not showing up for an engagement session, and one most recently whom they've had issues with getting their wedding photos back and the photographer will not return their phone calls, etc. So be careful! If you hire a planner - use them and always ask their opinion and have them look over any proposal and contract BEFORE booking! :)

So back to the topic! :) My photography personality is vintage/artistic. As much as we would LOVE to display a million and one wedding photos all over our house, sometimes too many is a little too much, BUT I feel as if your wedding photography is artistic - it's art, not just a photo on a wall or in a frame.

With that being said, below are a couple photos I've found from some of my favorite wedding photographers that I just love. But again, they match my "PP", so maybe you'll enjoy them, maybe you won't. :)

All photos courtesy of R.Joseph Photographics

New trend in Bridesmaid's dresses!

2009-07-02T16:00:00.005-04:00

With summer in full swing, you're starting to see new trends that are perfect for any summer wedding, or when it comes to Florida - Bridesmaid's dresses you can pretty much wear year-round.

So what's this new trend? Patterns and textures! Different from the standard black dress, Brides are starting to choose bolder colors, prints and textures when it comes to their Bridesmaid's dresses. This is a great way for your wedding to stand out, by adding a twist to a traditional Bridesmaid's dress.

Most Brides will say (regardless of what the dress looks like) "It's great, because you can totally wear the dress again" well, that isn't always the case, but when you have a patterned or textured dress, you can definitely get away with wearing it again, whether you're attending a summer cocktail party, brunch, or attending a wedding as a guest.

Below are a couple cute finds I found. Another idea, rather than trolling TheKnot.com looking for cute dresses, check out a-typical places to shop for Bridesmaid's dresses, such as Nordstrom, Lily Pulitzer or even Anthropologie. OR if shopping online, rather than clicking on the link to their Bridesmaid dress section, take a look in their everyday dresses, you might be pleasantly suprised at what you find!

You can find these cute dresses at J.Crew, Lily Pulitzer, Bloomingdales and BCBG.

Love song Tuesday...

2009-06-30T14:01:00.004-04:00

If you are an avid wedding goer like myself, you'll notice a trend of popular 'First Dance' Songs. And if you're getting married and you and your fiance don't have a 'song' and "At Last" or Rascal Flatts' "God Bless The Broken Road" aren't quite you, below are a couple non-traditional suggestions. Take a listen, the words are quite amazing.

"First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes - The First Dance of Gossip Girl and The O.C. creator, Josh Schwartz and fiance.

"This Kind of Love" by Sister Hazel

"We Are Man and Wife" by Michelle Feathersone

For some reason when I got married, our first dance song and my Father/Daughter dance songs were so important to me. I think mainly, I wanted to find the perfect song with the perfect words to let both of the two most important men in my life know how much they meant to me. I guess in a way it was my way of telling them...

If you find any amazing songs, please email me as I always love finding new songs! As a courtesy, please send me a warning if I should have tissues handy. :)

Your alternate to a Groom's Cake, or just a fun treat for your guests!

2009-06-29T21:42:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of coordinating Kathryn and Tyler's wedding a couple weeks ago, besides the fact that they are the most amazing couple, and I'm honestly sad that the wedding was over. They had an idea that I just loved and have decided to share with everyone. They had Marble Slab at their wedding! Yes, that's right, the slab of ice and all the mix-ins - the whole thing - including the Marble slab hats and aprons! :)

This was SUCH a great suprise to their guests, and let me tell you, it was loved and appreciated by all! There was literally a line the entire night!

It was a perfect touch and a little detail that was special to Kathryn and Tyler, as they both shared a love of Marble Slab, as it had been the location to several dates they shared together throughout the years. This idea encompassed two of my favorite things, something personal to the bride and the groom that is a reflection of either their relationship or their personalities AND it's also something different!

As a substitute to a signature cocktail you can create your signature ice cream creation! I unfortunately wasn't able to try Tyler and Kathryn's signature creation, but my signature creation is cake batter ice cream with cookie dough mix-ins - I'm not gonna toot my own horn, but it is quite amazing. :)

To learn more about having Marble Slab at your wedding or next event, contact their local (Tampa) catering number at (813) 247-4406.

Enjoy!!

For your men...

2009-06-15T21:40:00.005-04:00

So I guess I should be fair and offer a suggestion or two about ideas for Groomsmen gifts... well, here's a start. An idea I was introduced to while picnicing in Central Park with a couple girlfriends on a recent trip to NYC. Living in Florida, it's pretty much summer year round! So, whether it's for your Groom, Groomsmen or even your girls - it really is the perfect gift for anyone! This could even be a great gift for the tech-savy Dad! :) Available at Pottery Barn for $79.

This genious thing is an IPOD/MP3 Cooler! That's right, whether you're on a picnic, or at the beach with some of your closest friends, pack a lunch and your IPOD - plug it in and instant music! How cool is this? Do you love to personalize things as much as I do? Fun fact - you can get your name or monogram engraved on the front! Do you love this?

I heart this love quote...

2009-06-15T21:17:00.005-04:00

"If you live to be a hundred,
I want to be a hundred minus one day,
so I never have to live a day without you."
~ Winnie the Pooh

Before you walk down the aisle....

2009-06-07T01:25:00.001-04:00

make sure you're wearing great shoes! So maybe the shoes you wear on your wedding day aren't as big of a priority as, well, let's say your florist or photographer, but that doesn't mean they aren't important!

If you pay attention to one thing I suggest, please let it be this one... don't.buy.ugly.shoes. The days of white satin shoes are over...well, they are still available for purchase, but if you find yourself picking up a pair, PLEASE put them down! Your wedding dress is the one and only item that should ever exist in your closet that you can only get away with wearing on your wedding day. So why add your wedding shoes to that list?

Instead of wasting your money on shoes that are only acceptable when worn with a wedding dress, why not invest in shoes that you could wear everyday, or at the very least make a fashion statement that sets you apart from the other white satin shoe wearing bride.

Other great alternatives to white are creams, silvers, metallics, antique golds, rose, etc. - the list could go on forever! There are so many great alternatives out there to wear! So break out your inner fashionista and step outside of the shoebox! OR if doing anything other than white takes you outside of your comfort zone, spice it up a little and pick a style/design more exciting than a plain white strappy sandal.

Below are some of my favorites that I found...

Happy Shoe Shopping!!

Shoes can be purchased online from Macy's, Stewart Weitzman, JCrew, Tory Burch and Nordstrom.

A wedding MUST Have!!!

2009-06-05T12:51:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of the Junior League of Tampa and at our Annual Dinner I was introduced to this local company - Willy Bea

"Willy Bea's floral headbands and clips are a fusion of fresh fashion with roots in the enduring classics. From silk flower petals and feathers to ribbon and antique appliqués, dress your tresses with wearable art that's crafted with your style in mind. Each Willy Bea creation is handmade to order by designer Amy Azzarelli."

Isn't this such a cute idea?? It's actually too funny, because on a recent trip to NY I passed a street vendor with a similar product and I fell in love with a peacock headband. I regretfully did not buy it, but now I can!

Wouldn't this be such a cute accessory to 'change into' after the ceremony? You could ditch the veil after pictures and make this your party 'do' accessory. :) At Willy Bea you can send Amy fabric swatches from your dress so that your headband and/or hairclip matches your dress perfectly. OR this would also be the perfect Bridesmaids' gift! Custom headbands and clips start at only $25! Let's start the trend girls by saying 'It's a Willy Bea'! :)

Bridesmaids' Gifts

2009-06-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

Shopping for Bridesmaids' gifts can always be such a difficult task. You want to get your girls something trendy and cute, but at the same time something that they can reuse/wear again - while also being somewhat sentimental to let them know how much it means to you that they are a part of your big day.

Personally for me, jewelry is always my favorite. At first glance it sounds like a superficial and easy response, however, look at it this way - Jewelry is the one thing that you can wear and keep that will always make you think of and remember the person that gave it to. It makes me feel like it's something I can keep close to me and act as a daily reminder of the people I love and/or the special reason/occasion that it was given to me.

With that being said, check out this super cute blog to make custom jewelry pieces that coordinate with your wedding colors/decor that make perfect Bridesmaids' gifts!I'm warning you, you'll probably end up purchasing stuff for yourself! So get the debit card ready! :)

www.deargeorgette.blogspot.com

Below are a couple pieces below that I loved! But I hope you enjoy!

The perfect wedding cake

2009-05-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

I coordinated a wedding this past weekend and the bride designed the most amazing cake. When it comes to the design of a cake I've never realized how obsessed I am with cakes that have perfect lines. The cakes where you look at them and wonder if they are real because they are just so perfect in everyway. I wish I would have taken a picture ... I'll try and get one and post it, but here is the website of 'the perfect wedding cake' www.bakemeacake.net