Newbie from the UK!

jazzycazy

I'm a newbie from the UK but I wanted to say how helpful these boards have been.A little about me - met fiance last year and just knew straight away he was the 1. We definitely want to get married abroad and originally wanted to get married in Maui but my Mother who is the most important guest has a terrible fear of flying and said she won't fly the 17 hour trip from England to Hawaii.We want to get married soonish (like October) and my mother and I have compromised with Florida being a location. I know October is 3 months away but we have a small wedding party (10-20) and I'm confident that I can pull it off. First check - venue, I was getting despondent about not being able to find what I wanted but last night I discovered the Ritz Carlton Orlando - wow! That Gazebo!! I've emailed them and am waiting to hear back on costs and availability.So I guess I just need to sort out photographer, flowers, cake. I want to have a toast after the ceremony and lunch/dinner probably in one of their restaurants so minimal table decorations and favours will also be needed but that's about it. The venue was the major check and I just love the RC.Sooooooo ladies, vendor recs would be much appreciated! Also, any experience of the RC would also be amazing.Thank you all xxx

ginam98

I'm getting married at the Ritz-Carlton on January 15th so I can probably help you with most of your questions. It's very expensive compared to other venues in the area, but the hotel and grounds are incredibly beautiful so I think it's well worth the price. There are two areas to have your ceremony: The Gazebo and The Citrus Gardens (This is where we chose- if you click on the link in my signature that says "my bio" you can see a picture of it under "ceremony"). There are a few restaurants on property-We are having our reception at Norman's (this is their high-end "fancy" restaurant) Norman's has a private room which accommodates 35 people, and a beautiful outdoor terrace. If you rent one of them, they will let you have exclusive use of both! We are planning to eat on the terrace, and use the private room as a weather backup in case it rains.The other restaurant is the Vineyard Grill which is casual dining, but they also have a nice outdoor terrace you can rent out which will fit about 70 people.  They also have a spa cafe, pool cafe, and a golf course restaurant.I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions...

SarahSmile23

welcome! good luck!i used tabitha mccausland for my photograher. pics are in my married bio. i used jonathan's flowers for my florist and elegante films for my videographer. hope that helps!

jackx18

I used concept photography and they were great.  Not cheap - but loved their pictures and working with them....they will work with you to some extent.  Located on the East Coast but travel to Orlando for free.  Used Lee Forrest for flowers...he is FANTASTIC.  I have heard complaints that he is pricier than some of the other florists but he worked everything I wanted into my budget so I cannot complain.  I feel like I got a lot for my money from him and he is FANTASTIC to work with.

jazzycazy

Ginam98 - OMG you've done and sorted loads!! You're themes look amazing, loving the hues of purple. SarahSmile23 - you're such a beautiful bride!! Your day looked amazing and you looked like you had the most wonderful time.So, the RC emailed me back and I'm pretty sure I can get what I want in budget so that's good, am excited about an Orlando wedding, I haven't been to Orlando since I went to Disney World when I was 8 :)I've found the dress and shoes a few weeks ago so that's one huge check. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted having found the venue. I really don't mind having the wedding mid week as all the guests will be from the UK and be on holiday too so that helps with the $$!Unsure about flowers and cakes so am still shopping around but the flowers from Raining Roses look super cute... anyone had any experience with these guys?In the meantime I need to sort H2B's suit and our wedding bands, still lots to do!!

ginam98

Awesome! If you have any questions about the RC or need any help just let me know... For cake try Tasty Too (www.tastytoo.com) her prices are very reasonable and she's talented. For flowers and "day of" wedding coordination I am using DSR Designs (www.specialatmospheres.com)

SarahSmile23

SarahSmile23 - you're such a beautiful bride!! Your day looked amazing and you looked like you had the most wonderful time.THANK YOU!!!!!! I loved our wedding day. It was so great! I had an amazing time.

cjbwifey2010

Welcome! I am using Heather at It's tasty too and her prices are the best in town! and they are definitely delicious For photography and videography, we are using Rhodes Studios. He did a friend of mines wedding and did an awesome job and threw in so many extra things (extra hour, free engagement session, movie trailer, movie clip for our entrance) and upgraded our album to their highest quality album for the price of a smaller album. We absolutely love him! Hope this helps!

jazzycazy

Thanks Gina and cjbwifey for your vendor suggestions, will definately check them out.Well call me impatient but I got some costs from the RC yesterday but have mailed back for more details (details on extras to the packages, vendors and availability) but haven't heard back yet. I just wanna get picking, get booking and get sorting!!