Florida-West Coast — The Knot Community

BEST 1 week anniversary present

TTnoles — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:27:03 +0000

AN FSU VICTORY!!!!!!!!! Sorry to all the Gators, but after 6 years..i had to celebrate that one =) It's great to be back on top of the Sunshine State College Football Food Chain!!!!!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E

PS. GO BULLSSSSSSSSSSS!!! My second favorite university beats Miami....sweet!!!!!

Show me your

M1ssJ — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 03:57:57 +0000

Invitations or save the dates. FI need inspiration in our price range.
We love these but they're a bit pricey

Did anyone go shopping?

teachermegs — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 22:44:15 +0000

I wasn't going to go, but we had to go to Michaels, but we waited till mid afternoon. If you did go what did you get?

* VENDOR REVIEWS**

sunnii24 — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:14:52 +0000

We have finally returned from our honeymoon in Jamaica. Our wedding was a success and everyone had an amazing time. Here are my reviews for the vendors we used! Not in any certain order.

CONNIE DUGLIN LINEN: A

The tables turned out great they are only receiving an A because the napkins on the head table were not what we ordered.

Z- BOP UNLIMITED (DJ) BONITA SPRINGS: A+++

Jaime is amazing he is the owner and the DJ. He will bring his own MC to get guests up depending on your group size he may bring two! He was at the rehearsal and took complete charge. He played all requests and was available if needed to go over everything. He is one price for unlimited amount of time. He is $650-700 depending if you need an alternate set up. He also only charged us for $700 and included the lights and smoke machine at the reception when that was not included in the original price. He also provided us with a CD with all of our music from the ceremony and the reception!!

PLANNED PERFECTIONS (FLOWERS) (FT. MYERS): B

I am giving him a B because he was difficult to work with. We attempted on several occasions to contact him and he never returned our calls. I felt due to our price limit we were not as important to him as his other clients. He also made to may boutonnieres and not enough corsages. We never had a contract with him and that felt uncomfortable to me. I did give him a price limit and he performed in that price range and the flowers were amazing!! My flowers were exactly what I ask for and the tables were amazing!!

ISLAND COAST PHOTOGRAPHY (CAPE CORAL): A++++++++++++++++

John is amazing!! Every time we had a question he normally answered within the same day, sometimes within the same hour! His pictures were breathtaking!! We had our wedding on Saturday November 13th, leaving for honeymoon on Tuesday November 16. HE EMAILED US WITH THE FINISHED PROOFS ON MONDAY NIGHT!!! He wanted us to be able to see them before we left for our honeymoon!!! They were amazing!!!!!!! We have already began putting together our albums, we are getting three! and we are have selected our large photos. He is also allowing us to request more photos at different sizes. I would HIGHLY recommend him. He has made my wedding planning process soooo easy!! Thank you John!!!

ALFRED ANGELO (DRESSES) BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS: B

My dress was ordered several sizes to big and when it came in they would not let me exchange for a smaller size. They also did not see my vision for my dress and when I was discussing how I wanted to look they said it would not be possible with the dress I choose. They also told me my dress could be made into a sweetheart neckline and once I took it else where was told that was not possible! However, I absolutely love my dress, once the seamstress from another place got finished with it!!!! My girls dresses turned out well.

FOR THE BRIDE (FT. MYERS): A+++++++

Wendy, the owner is truly amazing! She is highly recommended. I wish I would have found her before I purchased all of my dresses. She transformed my dress into my dream, when Alfred Angelo said it could not happen. Alfred Angelo said that my dress could be altered to have a sweetheart neckline, but when Wendy looked at it , she said that is not possible because of the beading on the dress and that the neckline was already slightly altered. She said that if I went with a sweetheart neckline the fabric would buckle and it would cause wrinkles throughout the top of the dress. She is very frank and speaks her opinion, even if it is something you may not want to hear, but that is what I love about her because she will not let you look awful on your wedding day!! She also agreed to alter my moms dress and the bridesmaid dresses. I had a bridesmaid that actually needed alterations two days before the wedding and wendy was able to complete everything needed. I also got my jewelry, veil and hair pieces from her. She knows what she is doing. She knows peoples body types and what looks best on them. She was very helpful!!!

THE HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT (ceremony and reception): A+++++++++

They really went above and beyond, truly fantastic!! From the ceremony to the reception and food, they made everything a success!! My wedding Coordinator, Mike Dolch was great, thank you to him!!! No one ever went without a drink or food. Mike was on point with everything and was there every step of the way!!

CRATE AND BARREL (FAVORS): A+++

We ordered 84 oval spice jars three months before the wedding, a week before the wedding I took all of them out and washed them before using them. All of them rusted on the metal hinge!!! We called immediately and within two days they had 84 new ones delivered!

MIKKELSON'S PASTRY SHOP (BONITA SPRINGS): A+

Ok, so they are getting an A+ based on flavor!! It was incredible!!!! However, the cake I ended up with was not what I wanted. I provided two photos to them, the first one was the cake I wanted, the layers and spacing in the middle for flowers and the other was a cake with the decoration that I wanted, nothing else. They actually put the layers like the first cake and did the decorations, but did the cake like the second photo. It was not at all like the first photo. They left no spacing for flowers in the middle of the cake. The flowers ended up on the table instead. That is the only complaint because the cake the way it turned out was amazing and I liked it in the end.

We actually went to the shop and have ordered another smaller cake with our flavors because we only got a piece to split for us because it was devoured!! We even ordered a bigger cake on purpose, to have some left over. Crazy, nothing left!!

SANDALS OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA (HONEYMOON): A

We will definitely be using Sandals again, however will probably not return to this resort. All-inclusive was amazing!! Drinks and more drinks, and the entertainment was great! The food needs some work and the resort is in the process of an renovation. The huge pool was great and the staff was fantastic!! We used the spa to the fullest!

Oh and we used the honeymoon registry and I nor my guests have any complaints!!

Indoor Wedding

funderbride — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:37:34 +0000

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope you have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and lots of food :)

I am having an indoor wedding so we're trying to think of something fun to do when the pronounce us "husband and wife". We can't do the typical rice, sparklers, bubbles when we exit since it's indoor and we won't be going outdoors. Any fun suggestions?

I'm married!

lisanunez73 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:28:01 +0000

Not quite ready to talk about it all just yet. It was pretty amazing ;-) However, just some advice for those who are still planning. The Shutterbooth is a must!! It was a huge hit and the one thing everyone is still talking about two days later.

Happy Turkey Day!

CJTeacup — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:22:17 +0000

Just stopping by to wish you all wonderful ladies happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey and don't get stuffed!
:)

My first "check" post :-)

FutureMrsJT — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:35:48 +0000

Fiance = check! haha
Venue = now a check!

I will become Mrs. Jared Timmons (and then party it up) on 9/4/11 at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk.... Yay!

Wedding Planner

chescam — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:56:58 +0000

Hi ladies, I am looking for a wedding planner. I think I am leaning more towards a day of coordinator. Who have you used/ or would recommend? What price ranges should I expect.

Thanks

Photobooth on a budget!

sweetie1184 — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:54:30 +0000

For those of you who are looking for an inexpensive photobooth for your wedding...

I just received an email from a company called mojo photobooth entertainment. They are having a black friday deal for anyone who contacts them on Friday the 26th between 7-730am, you will receive $400 off the price of the booth. They stated that a 3 hour unlimited package is normally $800, so it would be $400 for this deal! I thought it was a fantastic price and wanted to share! :)

Thanksgiving plans?

teachermegs — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:58:06 +0000

What are your Thanksgiving plans?

VENUE HELP!

cnbyrd — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:04:53 +0000

WHERE TO BEGIN... I FELL IN LOVE WITH SAFETY HARBOR RESORT RIGHT AWAY... THEN THE NEWS OF THEIR BANKRUPTCY CAME TO LIGHT. SO I BEGAN THE VENUE SEARCH. I LOOKED AT ABOUT 10 MORE SITES.. AND STILL KEEPT WANTING TO GO BACK TO SAFETY HARBOR... THE ONLY OTHER PLACE I LIKED WAS THEY HILTON ON CLEARWATER BEACH. ALTHOUGH, I DO NOT LIKE THE CEREMONY SPOT AND WONT SETTLE!! NEED HELP DECIDING IF ITS WORTH THE RISK EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE IN BANKRUPTCY. THE WEDDING IS 11.5.11. HELP!

Shutterbooth

blseverance — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:10:02 +0000

Anyone have the contact information for the local shutterbooth company?? I really want a booth at my reception!! :)

checks and more checks

tracynmaria — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:58:45 +0000

Finally registered for our gifts...we had a great time doing it, it was a bit hard because we already have lots of things but it never hurts to upgrade!!
and we also pick out the tuxes for the guys and the groom got measured
rehearsal dinner invites --all done
bridal shower invites -- all done
corset---ordered and hopefully it works, it has been a bit difficult to find the right one.
blue shoes i finally found them online-- ordered!!

I am so glad that I am finally getting some things checked off...I hope you ladies had a great weekend

Featured Knottie

teachermegs — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:16:24 +0000

Good morning ladies.
Just want to let you know that I was chosen as the featured knottie of the week. I am so excited. Here is the link
http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/blogs/spotlightknottie/archive/2010/11/22/teachermegs-lets-us-in-on-the-details-of-her-spring-wedding.aspx

Have a good Tuesday.

Publix Wedding Cakes?

jmholmes2 — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:31:47 +0000

Has anyone used publix bakery for their cake? I am having a destination wedding on Anna Maria Island, and I was curious how Publix wedding cakes look / taste? I am having a small wedding and I woiuld like to keep the cost down. However, I don't want to sacrifice the taste or beauty of my cake. Thanks!

WE HAVE OUR VENUE!!!

kmf218 — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:41:12 +0000

I am SOOO excited! We finally put the deposit down on our venue! I will become Mrs. Kevin Lewis on October 15, 2011 at The Riverside Venue!

CHECK

chescam — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:50:13 +0000

We booked our photographer today! We booked with Jason Angelini.

Michele Renee Hair & Makeup?

Gorecbrie2011 — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:14:25 +0000

OK, so I've narrowed my choices down to Destiny & Light and Michele Renee. Both have the same pricing and similar policies (D&L has a nonrefundable deposit while Michele Renee has a 60 day cancellation). I'm kind of leaning toward Michele Renee but wanted some feedback from people who have used her company in the past. Pros and cons greatly appreciated! Any feedback for D&L appreciate too, if any :) Thanks, ladies!

Back with REVIEW few pics candid

Mrs.Farrell To Be — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:15:59 +0000

HI everyone Im back from my wedding and honeymoon. Got married OCT 17 2010 Im not very good at doing these things but I wanted to give my reviews on my vendors incase anyone needed it :-)

The rating will be A+-F with A+ being the highest

First all all my wedding went off without a Hitch!! It was great!! I would hired all Venders in a heart beat!!No lie they were are Awesome!!

Saddlebrook Golf Resort A+
This was close to our home and it was beautiful and the food was YUMMY!!! so how could we not. I think some of our guest was busy taking pictures of them self with the nice back drop of the resort that they werent sitting in thier chairs for the ceremony lol At first I was nervous like any bride would be but our event coordinator Lisa Rewasiewicz - Catering/Conference Services Manager
was Great as the days got closer she made me feel that everything was going to be great and she was right. I have to say I really didnt know what to expect since we have a coordinator was new to me. DH said that everything would be ok and he was right she made our wedding almost perfect. I say that because the almost part was our fault.We didnt give our directions clearly and more in advance. over all Id still tell people its a wonderful place to get married it beautiful and the staff was wonderful and the food was delicious.

Our Cake , Saddlebrook Golf Resort-A-
did our cake it was beautiful and yummy but we gave them pictures a few cakes of what we wanted. one cake had the color we wanted and the other had the style. I think they thought we want the cake color with the other style. I guess that was our fault for not clearifying it...My cake end up with hearts instead of the fancy scrolling that I wanted.I think if we were more clear it woul dhave been an A+

Our Officiant - Made for each other ,Katherine DeMarco A+
What a wonderful sweet lady she is she had so many wonderful ideas to make our wedding beautiful. we would have used them all if we had a longer cermony. LOL people are still talking about how our cermony was so that speaks for it self.

DJ and Lightling -Rob Sword A+
I have to say just meeting Rob for the first time I knew I wanted him to our DJ he was sweet sincere and made us feel very comfortable Our wedding was beautiful he keep our guest happy with great music and until this day our guest are still raving about him. He took great care of us checked on us from time to time made sure we ok with drinks and everything.. The lighting work he did was beautiful im so glad we had him there he was Amazing Id hired him for an event any day.

Event Design,Florist ,Amber Patricio A+
Ok thankgod I used event and design!!She did an amazing job with making my wedding day beautiful on a budget that we had.I can only imagine if I had a bigger Budget. she was not only sweet but very creative she even made me a specail bouquet with butterfly to go with my my butterfly crystal hangings at the ceremony.

Photographer for engagement photos A+ and pending A+ on wedding Wes Weber Photography

First all we interviewed like 8 photographers out of all them Wes and Liz stood out to us. they were not only super sweet, super talented but they had the style that we were looking for. Im very picky with photos I want my photos to look like it could be in a magazine and we I saw thier work I was blown away. I liked thier photojournalistic out look and they way they didnt make a photo look boring but it was fun.They put a creative look to all the things they do. I gave them an A+ on our photos and cant wait to give them an A+ on or wedding. I bet they would do great maternity when I get PG lol..ohh besides being very professional they didnt try to selling stuff. thier work spoke for itself.

Make up artist, Me :-)A+
Its my job for the last 12 years so I better be able to do my own make up lol

Hairstylist, Ian from UBU color salon A-
Ian was very sweet and fun and he is wonderful with even though we had to do 3 trial runs I knew he would be the one who would know what I wanted plus with me changing my mind every 5 mins who could blame him. One thing I didnt care for was it was hard to get a hold of him. I freaked out like any bride would when you dont hear from your hair dresser to comfirm everything until the day before the wedding.When he finally called me back I was back at ease. and the day off he ran abit late but that was ok since I too was running behind and aleast he called to tell me. Over all he did an amazing job on my hair and he such a sweet fun guy I would give him a higher score if he was better at contacting his clients back.

David Bridal's- wedding dress #1-A+
I went to alot bridal stores but kept coming back to them the had my size to try on and the right price for my budget and alot fo beautiful too.and I still love my dress!! they were all very helpful and great to work with.oh my dress was an oleg cassini crl277

Regal Row, Sinath Jerome for wedding dress #2-A+
not only my big sister but she made and my second dress and all of my bride maids dresses.The poor girl put up with me lol she not only lived far away and was able to make dresses just buthaving the girls give them thier measurements over the phoneor e-mail..She is amazing and im so happy she wanted to help me with my wedding.

Mens WearHouse- A-
Great tux great service the only reason they got A- was because they should have had everyone try all the vest and stuff because of of the groomsman vest didnt fit him by then it was too late but luckly one of the groomsman happen to have a buttonair to fix the problem. but everyone else was fine.

Honeymoon- Carambola Resort St Croix A+
Beautiful!!Believe we did not want to leave this resort was lovely you really didnt have to go anywhere they had just what we needed from beautiful beaches and wonderful restuarant and a beautiful over view room yummy food. The people there were sweet as can be even the locals were nice.a really nice man at our hotel bought us a drink on our first day there and then we met up with a really sweet couple ended up having dinner with them and thier friend the gift shop lady guided us into town and 2 sweet man bought our lunch before we head to the airport...I could just live there and hang out on the hammock on the beach!!sipping my virgin Pina Colada.

Ok I think I got everyone I hope that help Now im Hoping to hang out at the bump.TTC#1

TARA & LISA

babybchbum — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:34:10 +0000

BEST WISHES TODAY!

You both will be beautiful brides! Can't wait to see pictures. :-)

How early is too early?

M1ssJ — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:14:28 +0000

Hey y'all,

My mother and I are debating about the best time to send out Save the dates. The wedding is Memorial Day weekend 2012 I'd like to send them out in August 2011, which is 10 months prior. Since our guest will all be traveling in , I want to give them ample time to request vacation days and find travel deals. My mom says this is too early.

Thoughts?

i've been blogged

cupcakecolleen — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:52:59 +0000

i'm so thrilled with the photos i've seen so far!!

www.kristenwynnphotography.blogspot.com

i highly recommend Kristen Wynn if you are still searching and on a budget. she is amazing!

Hair and Makeup

teetooshort — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:51:02 +0000

Has anybody used Lili's Weddings for hair and makeup? I am clueless as to hair and makeup. Should I test it out before engagement photos? I figured that would be a good time to try it out.

And what is airbrush makeup??

I need someone in the Tampa area. Thanks ladies!

how do i add my personal bio

tracynmaria — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:15:30 +0000

ladies how can i add my bio on the knot. i need some help
thank you

What is/was on your registry?

teachermegs — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:45:08 +0000

We are going Monday to register. We are getting china from my mom and already have a lot of our own things. I was thinking nice pots and pans, knives, towels, bedding, and everyday dishes.
What is on yours that I might I want to add?

CHECK!

bananafanafofashley — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:50:10 +0000

I went and signed the contract at the Centro Asturiano today. Wendy (the event coordinator) is one of the most laid back and honest people i've met. We have been looking at venues since July and it seemed like everyone was trying to hide something. I asked her about a few things that some places charge for (like a cake cutting fee or the champage toast) because I figured there had to be some kind of hidden fees. Nope. We are allowed to bring our own champagne and the cake can be cut however we see fit.. I'm so thankful I found such a relaxed person to deal with.
Some of the event coordinators at the other places made me want to run. PHEW! I'm sure this is the least obnoxious check I will have the entire planning process, so her honesty is much appeciated! If anyone is looking for a historic building with tons of character I definitely recommend checking this place out. It's beautiful. The photos online DO NOT do it justice.

Hair & makeup suggestions needed!

Gorecbrie2011 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:55:53 +0000

Hello ladies! I need some recommendations for hair and makeup... I've inquired with Destiny and Light and Valerie Schneider already. Valerie is already booked on my wedding day and I'm waiting to hear back from Destiny. I've also looked into Michele Renee but not too thrilled that she charges $75 for a trail run (since all the others I've looked at do a complimentary one for the bride...esp.since I'm on a budget!). Any other recommendations or feedback on Destiny and Light and/or Michele Renee would be great! Thanks! :)

FOR SALE

bears4life — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:06:30 +0000

Hey ladies,

I live in South Florida and just got married 10.9.10. I have some leftovers for sale and will be in the Tarpon Springs/Tampa area around Christmas so I figured I'd post on here....

I could also mail things if you're interested.

Please take a look and happy planning!

http://bearsforever.weebly.com/for-sale.html

Email me if interested gabiabratt@gmail.com

Thanks!

GTG?

teachermegs — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:12:26 +0000

I know it is Thanksgiving, but would anyone be interested in getting together after? Maybe Dec. 1 or 2 around 6:30 or 7pm.
I haven't been to one, but it should be fun to meet one another.
If you are interested pm me the date and a preferred time and I will do my best to set one up.