How important are your linens??

I have been officiating for a long time, and attending events even longer. One of the things I notice first, is the beauty and color of the linens on the tables, and the chair covers. Specialty linens can create a breathtaking beauty and flair. In Florida, I have always been impressed by the Linens provided by Connie Duglin Linen. I have seen such a variety of colors and textures, and styles, and have seen the bride's face when she sees a completed banquet hall all dressed up. It brings her to tears of joy as she realizes the vision that she had for her day is coming true!!! The company now has over 40 new brilliant patterns, bold colors and elegant fabrics, some of which are garnet crinkle taffeta, graphite eyelash pintuck, circles of life naturals sheer, jag shag, toasted cranberry damask, sunshower pintuck, carribbean blue taffeta, apple with azalea and many, many, more! For more information, and to see a grand assortment of fabrics and colors, visit their website today www.connieduglinlinen.com or call 877-MR-Linen

The picture above, shows Toni Tassoni putting on the beautiful chair covers at the Perfect Wedding Guide Luncheon.

Victorian Wedding on Sand Key Beach

Congratulations Elizabeth and Andy!  The wedding of Elizabeth Churchward and Andy Smith took place on Sand Key Beach just before sunset, officiated by Rev. Terri Hutchins of LovingUnity.com   The bride entered to music intertwined with the breezes and the call of the gulls, providing the perfect background for the wedding and procession.  Three barefoot flowergirls tiptoed through the sand in off white petticoats detailed with gold brocade. They each carried a basket of rose petals.    Elizabeth's sons, Liam and Kayne followed and served as the ring bearers, wearing black tuxedos and serious faces as they carefully carried their golden cargo on white silk pillows. 

The bride's dad escorted her through the sand. She was wearing a victorian style, off-white long dress, and presented her mother and soon to be mother in law with a small bouquet of flowers as she made her way toward the groom.  Andy waited for his bride with a huge grin on his face, standing inside a giant heart shape in the sand.  Andy looked dashing  in a victorian suit.

Elizabeth and Andy shared vows they had written themselves, and it was touching that he not only vowed to love and cherish Elizabeth, but also to love and respect Kayne and Liam as his own.  They exchanged rings and shared a kiss, and they were pronounced husband and wife just as the sun dipped into the gulf waters.

Here's a great tip! Hire a Wedding Planner... and here is why....

Just about every day I speak with couples who work with what can be the all time-consuming task of planning their wedding. Most times, when I meet them for the first time, they have a big binder loaded with materials, contracts and the like. There are so many choices, and making the decisions can certainly be overwhelming. If you are feeling this way, or even if you are just beginning the process, you really might want to consider getting some help. I am going to write about the event planners that I have worked with over the course of several articles, but the first person that comes to mind for me is Tammy Waterman.

I've had the privilege of working with Tammy and her wonderful staff on several weddings and am looking forward to those that we will be doing together in the coming years. Tammy is a complete professional with many years of experience and has a real gift for creating beautiful, unique and memorable wedding experiences for the couples she works with. She can create an elegant formal affair, or a beach wedding "Jimmy Buffet" style.

In my role as Wedding Minister she makes my job a complete joy, working closely with me so that the rehearsal and ceremony come off without a hitch! A real plus is that she has a great sense of humor, which is so important!

I have seen Tammy in action when flowers fell to the ground off a pillar and smashed within minutes of the start of the wedding and she quickly reassemble the flowers, and no one even was aware of what happened. She is quick and thinks on her feet!

My words don't do justice to Tammy's magic, so please take a moment to visit her website http://www.eventsbyspecialmoments.com/ so that you can see the may wonderful photos of the weddings she has planned as well as detailed information about her packages. Tammy offers many levels of service to her couples...everything from her Complete Wedding Planning package, all the way to Day-Of and A la Carte services.

If you just not sure if hiring a wedding planner s right for you, ask her about the pros and cons, it may be helpful in your decision making...but if you're considering this option at all, my best recommendation would be for you to pick up the phone and give her a call, you'll be glad that you did. You can reach Tammy at 727-343-0800. Tammy is an Accredited Bridal Consultant with the Association of Bridal Consultants.

Rusty Pelican, Tampa - Congratulations Catherine & Brad McGuire

Catherine & Brad said their "I Do's" at the Rutsy Pelican in Tampa. It was raining outside, but as all of us in the wedding business knows.........rain on your wedding day is a lucky sign! The Rusy Pelican provided a beautiful indoor area for the couple to be married in spite of rain, and the couple just brought along their own sunshine! Don Valente and the staff of the Rusty Pelican provided outstanding service. If you get a chance to go there to eat, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the bay and a great menu selection. Best wishes Catherine & Brad for a long and happy marriage!