First Birthday Party

I cannot believe it is already time to start planning for my sweet nephew's 1st birthday!! I started thinking about themes back in January (and with my sister's permission) chose a Circus theme! I immediately started pinning and was surprised to find so many options on etsy for hats, clothing and printable bunting, food labels, etc.

The Details: 

Date: March 30, 2013
Invite List: Mostly family, a few friends and their little ones
Location: Coral Gables, FL

Food:
Circus Peanuts, Popcorn, Mini Corndogs, Cotton Candy, Fruit Skewers (we need something healthy) and of course a Birthday Cake

Activities:

If I had it my way, we would have a petting zoo, bounce house and a balloon artist, but since he is only turning one, I figured I'll have to wait until next year... or maybe when I have my own kids!

Realistically, I was thinking a few things like pin the donkey or a pinata for the older kids, but keep it simple for the little ones!

I want to make it super special for this little one!! Of course I'll post pics from the party!

Real Wedding: Lauren + Tim

Lauren and Tim were married on August 25, 2012 at Riverside Baptist Church and had their reception at Timuquana Country Club. Lauren and Tim were SUCH a great couple to work with. They were so easy going and organized that my job was easy as pie! 

Lauren’s gown from Solutions Bridal in Orlando was absolutely stunning! She topped off the look with a beautiful birdcage veil as well!

Photo by Jolie Connor Photography

Lauren chose a southern elegance theme complete with potted lemon trees, hydrangeas and magnolia garland draping the mantle by Arlene’s Designs.

Timuquana Country Club served their famous Derby Salad, as well as a duo entree of Skirt Steak and Grilled Shrimp.

The evening was topped off by the sounds of the Faze Band and the delicious wedding cake by Choux. Lauren even offered her guests French macarons by Bakery Moderne! These were definitely a hit and guests enjoyed these while they exited the reception!

Lauren and Tim, we wish you the best and we are so glad that we got to be a part of your special day! 

View the complete album by Jolie Connor Photography here!

We LOVE our Clients!!

This sweet letter really needs no introduction!! I love my clients so much and nothing makes me happier than to know that they enjoyed one of the most special and important days of their lives!

Real Wedding: Sarah + Zach

Sarah and Zach were married in Orlando, FL on June 30, 2012. Their ceremony was held at the beautiful (and newly-renovated) First United Methodist Church of Orlando. After the ceremony, guests traveled a few blocks to the Abbey in Downtown Orlando for cocktail hour. The cocktail hour was fabulous and included a "Claywelltini" signature drink (their new married name), passed hors d'oeuvres, a Mashed Potato Bar and live entertainment by J & R Productions!

Beautiful photo by Castaldo Studio 

After cocktail hour, guests traveled upstairs to the MEZZ! for the reception. I think Sarah's jaw dropped when she walked into her reception. It was absolutely stunning. From, the tuxedo damask linens to the hanging centerpieces by Suzanne Nichols Design Group, everything was picture perfect. After a heartfelt speech from Sarah's Dad, the Maid of Honor and Best Man, guests dined on a stacked Cobb Salad and a dual entree of Filet Mignon and Chicken Chardonnay by Arthur's Catering. There could not have been a more perfect "icing to the cake" than the wedding and groom's cake that Party Flavors designed. It truly was divine and the wedding cake seemed to go on for days! I, of course, loved that Sarah chose to use Zach's uniform as the groom's cake design! 

Hanging Centerpieces by Suzanne Nichols Design Group
Floral by Apple Blossom Florists
Wedding Favors were Rum Cakes made by the Mother of the Bride

Marquis outside of the Abbey! 

Cake By Party Flavors Custom Cake
The linen on the cake table was actually the Mother of the Bride's train that was made into a linen.
This wedding had tons of touching details!! 

Sarah and Zach have moved to California to begin their lives! I wish them nothing but happiness!! Sarah and Mother of the Bride, Christa, truly made me a part of their family during the planning experience! I truly love my clients and really become a part of their lives! Don't worry, Sarah, I will definitely call you when I come to Cali!

Real Wedding: Anne + Cary

Anne and Cary got married on March 24, 2012! They are the cutest couple and so sweet!! Anne is a manager at Starbucks and Cary works for the Orlando Police Department. They chose Paradise Cove in Orlando as their wedding venue and it was absolutely beautiful!! The weather was absolutely perfect on their day!

The ceremony took place overlooking Lake Bryan just as the sun was setting. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was the sand ceremony. Anne grew up in Atlantic Beach and Cary grew up in New Smyrna Beach. So, for their sand ceremony, they used the sand from their respective hometowns. Guests enjoyed tropical drinks and caribbean themed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour! Then, guests enjoyed a dinner of chef attended stations, including one with a whole smoked pig!! Guests danced the night away thanks to Chrisanne with Crystal Lake who provided great music!! Anne and Cary made their grand exit via boat from Paradise Cove!

Thank you to the following vendors who made this day so wonderful for Anne & Cary! 

Arthur's Catering

Milanes Photography 

Kelly's Flowers and Photography

Reverend Teresa Knox

Paradise Cove 

Crystal Lake DJ 

Congrats to Anne and Cary on their marriage! We wish you nothing but a lifetime of happiness! 

It's Happening....

You may be asking yourself, what is "it".....

Well, as you can see from our Facebook page, one of our bride's had to move her wedding date from October to June. We made the decision to move the wedding about 21 days before the actual wedding date, without actual confirmation that the groom could make it!

The groom is a Marine who is stationed in California and is currently undergoing training and school at 29 Palms. He will be deploying at some point and that is why they decided to move the wedding up so they could officially be married.

Honestly, when the idea was brought to my attention, I thought it would NEVER work. However, when you work with amazing vendors, it is all a breeze! Our biggest concern was if the church and venue were available, and they WERE!

With June being incredibly hot in Florida, weddings are few and far between. We were pleasantly surprised that all of our vendors were available or sub-contracted the services so that it worked! We were so GRATEFUL, to say the least! I will sing the praises of these vendors forever!!!

I am giddy as I type this post because I can't wait to see this beautiful wedding to come together on Saturday afternoon! Think Black, White, Damask, with a touch a Red! It is going to be beautiful and I am so glad to have been a part of this wedding and get to know such an amazing family! Many pictures to come!!!

Real Wedding: Amanda + Joe

Amanda and Joe got married on November 18 at Paradise Cove in Orlando, FL! It was an absolute pleasure working with this sweet couple! Amanda is a Reporter for Channel 13 News and Joe owns Jimmy Johns franchises (yummy)! Amanda looked ABSOLUTELY gorgeous and one of my favorite details of the wedding was her cake that was mirrored after her dress!

They had a great team of vendors that carried out the vision of their day!

Damon Tucci Photography

Lee Forrest Design

Anna's Cakes

Caribbean Crew- Steel Drums

James Duchon, DJ & ceremony guitarist

Arthur's Catering

Amanda and Joe had a beautiful ceremony on site at Paradise Cove. After the ceremony, their guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and the sounds of the Steel Drum Band. Arthur's Catering provided delicious appetizers as well as a signature drink, "The Tropical Bouquet". It was a hit with the guests!

Amanda and Joe chose a stations menu for their dinner and guests enjoyed a Caribbean Station, Italian Pasta Station and a Carving Station.

Thank you to Damon Tucci for the beautiful photos!