The Bay Club at Westshore

I am beaming with excitement about doing an event this year at The Bay Club at Westshore.  My bride and I recently visited for our walk-thru and food tasting.  This venue is like a "Hidden Gem" in Tampa Bay Florida! Who knew!?!?  It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  Gorgeous view, right on the water!  The staff is amazing and the building carries a warm Mediterranean feel.  This setting will make for some AMAZING wedding pictures!  How lucky are you Krystal? 

Ideas for a Green Wedding protecting Mother Earth!

 

“It’s a Nice Day for a Green Wedding”

MARRY BY DAY

Exchange vows outdoors, in the morning or afternoon.  The sun replaces electric light, and if you choose a temperate time of year, you may also avoid the need for air-conditioning or heating.

       At an evening wedding, consider keeping artificial light to a minimum.  Instead, use softly glowing soy or beeswax candles, which, unlike those made of paraffin wax, come from renewable sources.

CUT DOWN ON PAPER

It’s still not easy to find a huge selection of nice invitations printed on recycled paper, especially formal ones.  But there are other ways to save trees, says Emily Anderson, author of “Eco-Chic Weddings”(Hatherleigh Press, 2007).

       When you register, make a note asking that gifts not be wrapped.  Cut down on the unwanted catalogs and credit card solicitations by asking the stores you register with not to share your address.

PAY IT BACK

Before her wedding, Denver bride Kim McLawhorn compensated for her guests’ expected fuel consumption by using Mapquest to determine about how many miles each person would be traveling.  Then she bought carbon offsets from NativeEnergy, a Vermont company that uses these proceeds to fund cleaner, renewable-energy projects, such as wind farms.

GO LOCAL

        Food and flowers grown nearby require less transportation- and thus fuel- and as a bonus are generally fresher.  Ask your florist for locally grown organic flowers. Use local vendors for other wedding services such as videography and music. 

GIVE EARTH_FRIENDLY FAVORS

        Skip the throwaway tchotchkes in lieu of a donation in guests’ names to an organization such as the World Wildlife Fund.  Or, if you’d like your guests to go home with a small keepsake, try tiny potted herbs, tree seedlings in biodegradable containers or edible gifts such as fair trade coffee or organic chocolate.

RECYCLE

        Yes, you should ask your caterer to separate bottles and cans at the reception and to ferry the leftover food to a shelter.  But there are so many other unexpected- and beautiful- ways to reuse items, says Anderson.  You can wear your mother’s gown or a vintage dress, and you can repurpose your flowers.

       Add some foliage to your ceremony arrangements for the reception, and consider donating your blooms.  For example, an organizational in New York City and Los Angeles called FlowerPowerFoundation.org will pick up your arrangements for a small contribution and deliver them to the sick and elderly. 

       Besides the feel-good bonus of regifting beautiful flowers and benefiting the environment, you may get a tax write-off.  Check for similar charities in your area or call a nursing home for suggestions on how to donate.

TRANSPORTATION

Some limousine companies offer hybrid models.  Ask those in your area.

REGISTRY

Ask for eco-friendly gifts.

CARBON OFFSETS

Calculate carbon usages for your wedding and honeymoon, and purchase offsets at www.nativeenergy.com/portovert.

Lipton, Lauren.

“It’s a nice day for a green wedding.”

Copyright 2008

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

The Seattle Times on the web 31 May 2008.

SNEAK PEAK!

My latest bride shared her Valentine's Day present from her fiance with me and I can't help but to post it for you all to see!!  HOW SWEET IT IS..........

Eeeeek!  Stay tuned....I'll be introducing this charming couple soon!!  And boy are they cute!!!! XOXO

The Month of Love!

Some people say that Valentines Day is just a "Hallmark Holiday".  I beg to differ!!  It happens to be one of my Favorite holiday's of the year!!  I mean what's better than having an excuse to celebrate AMOR?!?!  Themed weddings are becoming more and more common these days!  Check out these romantic pictures for some Valentine's Day wedding inspiration!!!

Photo Credit: TreSugar

Vivid, Vibrant, and Vintage!!



Starring: Jaclyn Boukorras- VINTAGE BRIDE

I would like to share with you an article that one of my dear friend's from High School wrote!!  She pretty much sums it up!!  Enjoy....

Latest Wedding Trend, Vintage

The latest trend in wedding fashion is a vintage feel and having retro touches at your wedding. The options are endless ranging from Victorian to Mod. There are so many possibilities. Many have chosen to go for a classic and clean wedding with hints of the 40s and 50s and others have gone for a more Rockabilly look that has a bit of edge.

This can be emphasized even on the groom with a classic hairstyle. The hair color can be a deep black or chestnut brown to emphasize the look of a gentleman, finished off with a side part or hair slicked back, something reminiscent of Cary Grant. For the bride, a vintage look can be achieved through hair styling and make-up.

Wedding Hair and Make-up for a Vintage Look

In order to achieve a classic vintage look for the bride, a few simple things have to be kept in mind. Hair color for women has to be rich and shiny, giving off the look of healthy and vibrant hair. Iconic women from the 40s and 50s tended to have rich black hair, vibrant red hair or glossy blonde hair. The style of the hair can be wavy and pulled back into a low bun with a with a flower accent or vintage style brooches to add a touch of flair.
Another popular hairstyle is the Betty Page look, dark black hair with a blunt rounded bang and hair curled and rounded at the ends. For the make-up, a retro look can be achieved through big eyelashes and black liner. Eye shadow doesn’t have to be too dramatic, but the emphasis is on the long lashes and a red lip. Red lipstick is crucial for that vintage look.

A true vintage look can be achieved for any wedding with careful thought and consideration. The best thing to do is research what type of vintage look is best for you and then go to any of the listed salons or one in your area that can offer all the services you need to prepare and pamper you for the big day. Remember the little details in clothing, makeup and hair will ensure that you have that vintage flair!

Copyright P. Noelle Cruz. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

Bride on Board!!

Drum roll please...Announcing Kristen and Justin!!  I'm so excited to be a part of this ADORABLE couple's planning process!!   Kristen is a VERY organized bride...I am impressed!  This bride of mine is on cloud 9 (head over heels in love!) and is GLOWING with excitement about her wedding day!  July is right around the corner....so now it's time to get to work!  We have tons of fun in store for this event!! Check out my newest couple below!  How CUTE are they?!?!?!?

How to make your wedding Unique!!

Your event needs a WOW FACTOR!  These days, brides and grooms are going to extremes to make it memorable!  Everything from unusual first dances to mimes, break-dancers, jugglers, pyrotechnics, musicians, only to name a few!  The key here is…keep your guests entertained and wanting more!!  Amanda and Tony, who got married in June 09 in Punta Cana, certainly made their event one to remember!!   Tony and Amanda spent weeks coordinating this dance, which made for a special touch for all their guests!  Check out their SURPRISE First Dance!!