Which Bouquet Style is Right for You?

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One of the most meaningful flower arrangements to a bride on her wedding day is her bouquet. The style that she chooses has the opportunity to significantly enhance her dress or take away from her ensemble completely. You may be thinking “oh I’ll just find something on Pinterest” but once you actually start surfing the web, you soon realize that the design possibilities are endless. With hundreds to choose from, we’ve made a list of some of our favorite ones and what wedding style pairs best with them!

Cascading

Venue: Sandpearl Resort | Photography: Edwin Colon Photography

Cascading bouquets often include stems of greenery to create a “waterfall” effect as it falls down and disguises the bride’s hands. This dramatic arrangement is often used as a statement piece and is best seen paired with simple gowns. If you do plan on wearing an elaborate wedding dress, we recommend steering away from this style which may overpower the design and create a cluttered look.

Round

Photography: K&K Photography

Round bouquets often include only one type of flower and avoids the use of greenery to create a simple and symmetrical look. This style is perfect for timeless styled weddings that are going for more of a traditional and classic look. It’s best to avoid this design if you plan on having specific themed wedding such as boho or extremely modern.

Posy

Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

Posy bouquets are extremely similar to round bouquets but on a much smaller scale. The goal of this smaller design is to be able to comfortably hold it in one hand as opposed to the traditional round style which requires two. This style of arrangement is perfect for petite brides or ones with plan on wearing more of a dramatic gown.

Hand-Tied

Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

Hand-tied bouquets include a number of different styles of flowers and greenery and is often tied with a ribbon (as opposed to wire like more precise arrangements). The loose design of this bouquet makes the flowers appear like they were freshly picked that morning. The style of this arrangement makes it perfect to be used in an outdoor boho or garden themed wedding.

Our Favorite Grand Exit Getaways

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After toasts have been said and memories have been made it’s time to conclude your wedding day. Your big exit is one of the few things that all of your guests are able to be included in at the same time. In recent years, couples have customized their grand finale to make it catered toward them and just as impressive as the rest of the day. Here’s a list of some of our favorite ideas that are sure to wow your guests during your final goodbye!

LED Glow Sticks

Venue: Tropical Venue Tampa | Photography: JCanelas Photography

LED glow sticks are extremely versatile for any celebration. Not only can you customize them to make great wedding favors, they are also perfect to use for venues who don’t allow open flames!

Fireworks

Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

Fireworks are one of the most dramatic grand exits to pull off. Instead of worrying about all of your guests lining up and having a send off favor, you are able to light up the entire sky while creating a memorable show!

Bubbles

Venue: Tampa Marriott Water Street | Photography: Corey Conroy Photography

Bubbles are great to use if you’re looking for an easy clean up afterwards. Unlike confetti, bubbles will pop and dissolve in the air preventing any need to pick up leftover pieces at the end of the celebration. Another bonus of using these is that the light reflecting off of the suds create an awesome photograph for both day and nighttime celebrations!

Balloons

Venue: Innisbrook | Photography: Sunglow Photography

Although balloons aren’t as common, their inclusion can add a unique look in the grand exit photos.

Sparklers

Venue: The Gasparilla Inn & Club | Photography: Concept Photography

An oldie but a goodie! Sparklers will always be considered one of the most traditional send offs. While this classic exit may seem overdone, it is a great way to bring smiles to all of your guests faces and memories to last!

3 Reasons to Hire a Videographer

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Venue: The Vinoy | Photography: Salvador Robles Photography

When planning your wedding you and your fiancé are going to have an ideal budget that you want to stay within. You two are going to discuss the absolute necessities numerous times along the way. While we agree that there are some things that can be easily cut, here’s a list of the three reasons why we don’t think a videographer should be one of them!

Capture Words and Moments That Photographs Can’t

Images are great for just that, capturing still life moments. There’s so many sentimental occasions in weddings that photographs aren’t able to accentuate such as recitting your vows, hearing the toasts from your parents, and your first dance as husband and wife. Meaningful times like these captured with audio give you the opportunity to look back and feel the raw emotions that you felt on that vary day.

Opportunity to See Missed Moments

During your wedding day you are likely to run into circumstances where two things happen at once. There will be precious moments that you and your significant other will miss , but that’s the benefit to hiring a videographer. It gives you the opportunity to soak in every single thing that you are physically present for, but allows you to look back at the ones that you weren’t!

Ability to Share Your Wedding With Loved Ones

Unfortunately there is going to be a loved one who isn’t able to attend your wedding. Whether it being a relative who lives out of the country or a grandparent in the hospital – having a video copy of all of the significant moments of your wedding day is a great way to look back on it with the people who weren’t able to be there.

5 Things to Consider Before Planning an Outdoor Wedding

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Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

One of the biggest luxuries of living in Florida is being able to have a wedding at any time of the year. Besides the occasional hurricane scare, you will never have to worry about roads being closed or flights being canceled due to snow storms. Although we have the perks of always being in wedding season, there are some things to consider if you envision on having your’s outdoors!

Venue: Belleview Inn | Photography: Arianna J Photography

Weather

Let’s face it, Florida’s weather can be pretty unpredictable. One day it might be in the 90’s and outrageously hot and the next it can be in the 50’s and raining. We always encourage couples to have a backup plan due to this uncertainty for the “just in case” circumstances. One of the most common options is a tent to provide shade (and possibly AC if you decide to go this route) but if you plan on holding your wedding at an outdoor venue the facility should be able to provide you with an additional solution if you do end up getting bad weather.

Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

Electricity

Electricity is commonly overlooked because most couples assume that venues offer it. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case so when searching for wedding locations make sure you ask! In the off chance that they don’t have power on-site, you will need to bring in a generator to accommodate your ceremony and reception needs. Bonus Tip: Make sure to tell the director of sales at any location what you plan on needing power for because some events require more than others!

Venue: Tropical Venue Tampa | Photography: JCanelas

Restrooms

If you plan on having a full on outdoor wedding with no structured building on site you will need to provide your guests with restrooms. You might be thinking “there’s no way that I’m going to be having a port-a-potty at my wedding” which we TOTALLY understand. Luckily for you, luxury restroom trailers now exist and in all honestly some of them are nicer than a venue’s facility anyway!

Venue: Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club | Photography: Heather Lauren Photography

Permits

If you plan on holding your wedding in a public area (e.g. a park or beach) it is likely that you will need to pull a permit. This requirement can vary depending on what county you are in but we always recommend for couples to reach out to the local permitting department ahead of time to make sure. If you don’t get one in an area that requires one, there is a possibility that your wedding will be stopped short and you’ll be charged a major fee.

Venue: Sandpearl Resort | Photography: Edwin Colon Photography

Walkability

Most venues provide a separate location for ceremonies and receptions. If this is the case, take into consideration the walkability from one place to the other. Long distances on grass or uneven grounds can be difficult for any guest, especially older ones. If your venue does require a bit of a hike think about other transportation options for the less stable guests such as valet, trains, or even golf carts!

What Style of Veil Is Right for You?

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Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

When deciding on the perfect veil to wear for your wedding day there are a lot of things to take into consideration. One of the first things to think about is whether or not it will accent your dress or take over the entire ensemble. You should also make sure that the design will be practical for the style of ceremony you are having. For example, if you plan on having a beach wedding you may not want a long cathedral style veil that could collect a bunch of sand.

If you’re completely lost on how to pick the best veil, have no fear! We’ve created a list of the most common styles and tips of when they’re best used.

Birdcage Veil

Birdcages are short veils that are used to cover the top half of your face. This design is usually made of stiff mesh or lace that can hold the structure of the design. These veils are commonly used with vintage style dresses with lace designs.

Blusher Veil

Blusher veils are mid-length designs that typically stop at the top of your dress. This style is commonly made with tulle and is secured at the crown of your head. Designs like these are perfect if you plan on having your face covered as you walk down the aisle since it is easy to toss over your head once you make it to the alter. Blusher veils are also perfect to use if you don’t want to cover up your shoulders!

Elbow Length Veil

Elbow length veils are commonly seen as a more traditional style. This design stops right at the elbows and is extremely lightweight which makes it perfect for any outdoor ceremony.

Chapel Veil

Chapel veils are floor length styles that flow a few inches on the ground. This style is perfect to create the illusion of a trained dress without the hassle of having to bustle it later on!

Cathedral Veil

Cathedral veils are one of the longest veils available to this day. This design extends well beyond the dress’s train and can create a very dramatic look. Cathedral veils are most commonly worn with A-line dresses and ball gowns.

Band vs. DJ: Let’s Talk

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Venue: Gasparilla Inn & Club | Photography: Concept Photography

Let’s face it, the music selected for your wedding will set the mood for the entire day. The style chosen can make your guests immediately jump on the dance floor or create an uncomfortable “we’re not sure what to do” atmosphere. The biggest decision factor to all of this is whether you prefer a live performance from a band or a festival like ambiance created by a DJ. Below we’ve broken down the pros and cons to hiring each.

Pros of Hiring a Band

  1. Bands can create a one of a kind experience which tends to be more memorable.
  2. Bands are able to assess the wedding’s atmosphere and amplify their performance if necessary.
  3. Bands can go great with themed weddings.
  4. First dances preformed by bands can make them more emotional.
  5. Bands are appealing even to guests who aren’t dancers.

Cons of Hiring a Band:

  1. More space is required to accommodate the band’s needs.
  2. Bands tend to stick to the genre that they are most comfortable preforming which can lead to less variety.
  3. Bands are typically more expensive.
  4. Bands take breaks throughout the night which can create a lull in music being played.
  5. Bands can require more difficult logistics (e.g. designated space, staging, etc.)

Pros of Hiring a DJ:

  1. DJs tend to be more cost effective.
  2. DJs provide music selections from different genres.
  3. DJs are likely able to emcee the entire night. (e.g. walking down the aisle, toasts, etc.)
  4. DJs take song requests.
  5. DJs have a simple set up and take less space.

Cons of Hiring a DJ:

  1. It may be harder for a DJ to engage with the crowd.
  2. A DJ’s visual appearance may be limited.
  3. DJs may be less entertaining compared to a live performance.
  4. DJs can be less personal.
  5. DJs are less appealing to watch.

In the end, the music played at your wedding is completely up to you and your fiancé. If you prefer to save money and have a variety in your music selection, a DJ is a great solution. If you two envision a lively atmosphere with everyone on the dance floor, then a band may be the better option!

Signature Cocktails? Our 5 Favorite Recipes

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When planning the menu for your reception you are eventually going to have to decide on drinks. Although varieties of beer and wine will be a common crowd pleaser, you may want to include a few specialty drinks that the liquor only fans will be able to enjoy (because trust us they do exist!). Here’s a list of our 5 favorite cocktail recipes that are sure to win over the affection of all of your guests!

Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

Recipe by: Tasty Yummies

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces gold tequila (Resposado or Anejo)
  • 4 ounces no sweetener-added apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice blend

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, maple syrup, and spice blend. Put a lid on and shake vigorously. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and add an apple slice and cinnamon stick to garnish.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Recipe by: Biscuits and Burlap

Ingredients:

  • 6 strawberries halved
  • 6-8 basil leaves fresh
  • 1 oz lemon juice fresh
  • 3 oz gin
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • tonic water

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries, basil, and lemon juice. Add gin and liqueur and shake. Pour over ice, being sure to include the solids inside the glass as well. Top with tonic water.

Pomegranate Paloma

Recipe by: Simply Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) white tequila
  • 1/4 cup club soda
  • Kosher salt for glass rim
  • Sprig rosemary for garnish

Directions:

Stir together the pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Pour the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary

Cucumber Moscow Mule

Recipe by: Linger

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices of cucumber, peeled
  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 lime juice
  • 6 ounces ginger beer

Directions:

Muddle the peeled cucumber in a stainless steel shaker. Add the vodka, lime juice, and ice and shake well. Strain into a copper mug filled with ice and top it off with ginger beer.

Watermelon Gin Punch

Recipe by: Garnish With Lemon

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups watermelon juice
  • 12 springs fresh mint
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • 2 cups gin

Directions:

Muddle mint in a tall pitcher. Pour in watermelon juice, simple syrup, lemon juice and gin. Stir to mix. Pour over ice and serve.

New Year, New You: 5 Beauty Tips to Prepare for Your Big Day

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Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

As you get closer to your wedding day you will probably be undergoing some sort of stress (even if it’s only a little). The final details will start to pile up and you may begin to wonder how you are going to get it all done in time. Even though the finishing touches will still need to be taken care of, don’t forget to set aside some TLC time to keep your head on straight! Here are our five favorite self care tips to utilize leading up to your wedding day!

Drink Water

We know, we know. You’re probably thinking that we sound like your mother. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to filter out toxins and keep your skin clear! By continuously drinking water you are more likely to say “bye bye!” to the pesky blemishes that just so happen to pop up RIGHT BEFORE important days!

Hair and Makeup Trial

You’re going to need to do a trial run for your hair and makeup anyway. Why not do a practice round right before your wedding day? A little bit of pampering can do wonders to not only your skin but your mindset!

Mani/Pedi

This just goes without explanation! Having your nails done is a major confidence booster so make sure to use the hurdles that life has thrown at you as an excuse to get them done!

Stay Out of the Sun

The last thing that you’re going to want is to be burned and red in your wedding photos. We recommend for couples to stay out of the sun for at least one week prior to your wedding day. If you still want to achieve the glowy sun kissed look, opt for a spray tan!

Teeth Whitening

Your smile is going to be plastered on your face throughout the entire day (at least we hope). Getting your teeth professionally whitened (or even using Crest White Strips) a few days beforehand will help make them look as radiant as you feel!

We encourage all couples to take some time to themselves as they get closer to their wedding day. Even a little bit of self care can help you feel like your best self!

3 Ways to Incorporate Your Children Into Your Wedding

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Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa | Photography: Alexis Kline Photography

Inviting children to a wedding has been a big debate throughout the past few years. We’ve heard from numerous couples expressing both positive and negative feelings towards this idea. While some believe that the more the merrier, others fear that they might cause a distraction during significant parts of the day. But what happens if the child happens to be your own? Whether it’s with your significant other or from a previous relationship, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to want to include them. Although the standard idea of incorporating them as flower girls or ring bearers might seem like the easiest route to go, here’s three of our favorite ways to include them that can be appropriate for any age!

Customized Mocktail

Even if you don’t plan on having a bar at your wedding, coming up with an original drink that your little one loves is a great way to remind your guests that they are a part of the day! This could be a fun concoction that you both create and test out in advance or one that’s already known but with a fun twist (shout out to the Shirley Temples with not one but TWO cherries). Bonus Points: Make sure you name the drink after your child so everyone at the wedding knows who inspired it!

DIY Crafts

As you get closer to your wedding day your mind might be running a mile a minute thinking about all of the finishing touches that you still have to do. How much easier would it be if you had another pair of hands to help you make the welcome baskets and hand-written place cards? Asking your little one to help out is a great way to get the tasks done more efficiently as well as create memories.

Family Cake Topper

Just because it’s going on your wedding cake doesn’t mean it only has to be the two of you! Having a cake topper that includes your entire family reassures your little ones that this day should be just as special for them!

5 Questions to Ask Your Venue Before Saying “I Do!”

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Venue: Tampa Marriott Water Street | Photography: Corey Conroy Photography

When searching for the perfect wedding venue there’s more that comes into play than just finding one with the most Instagram worthy features. Coming from a wedding professional who has been in the industry for years, sometimes the venues that provide the best pictures are also the ones with the biggest cons (we’re looking at you $40k venue with tables and chairs from the 70’s). Although the perfect atmosphere is a bonus, we’ve made a list of the top 5 questions to ask your future venue before signing the contract!

Will I Be the Only Event This Day?

Wherever you decide to get married, you’re likely to come across one or two powerhouse venues who claim that they put on 500+ weddings a year. If that’s truly the case, then there’s a pretty good chance that they will have another one scheduled on the same day as yours.

“So what? As long as the other wedding is in a different ballroom it isn’t that big a deal.”

That might be true, but it still presents the chance that the venue’s attention to detail might be lost on your wedding day (especially if the other one is much bigger than yours). It may also create a headache for your vendors when trying to figure out set up times.

Am I Allowed to Use My Own Vendors?

Some venues require only certain vendors to be used. If your heart is set on any specific one, make sure your venue allows them to work there! If not, see what it takes in order to get them approved and on their preferred vendor list. Bonus Tip: Most venues require vendors to have a Certificate of Insurance. When searching for vendors make sure they are insured before getting involved in the proposal process!

What Else Do You Provide?

When searching for the perfect venue you may come across some that provide more than just the rental of the space itself. Certain places might include catering and other basic rentals (i.e. linen, tables, chairs, etc.) whereas others are completely inclusive with their own florals, cakes, and officiants! If your venue doesn’t provide any other services, make sure you are aware of that ahead of time so you can factor in the additional expenses!

Do You Have a Liquor License?

Usually it’s safe to assume all venues have liquor licenses, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Some places (such as breweries) may only be allowed to serve beer and wine instead of hard alcohol.

Do You Require a Wedding Coordinator?

As the wedding industry continues to grow, many venues are starting to require couples to have day of coordinators. The reasoning behind this is because the coordinator at the venue has other operations to delegate during your wedding and might not be available at all times. If your venue does require one, make sure you find a DOC ahead of time and consider the cost of that as well!

Want more intel about the differences between the venue’s coordinator and a planner? Make sure to check out our previous blog post as to learn more!