Tickled Pink Brides - Orlando, Florida's Premier Wedding Planner

It's A Girl!

    On July 16, I gave birth to the most magnificent little creature, baby Saylor Amelia.  Needless to say, our home has been filled with lots of love, diapers, and learning to breastfeed ever since.  Thanks to all our friends and family who have sent love and prayers our way.  We are getting the hang of things and really enjoying being parents!  Here's a glimpse at our little girl. 

    New posts are on their way!  Thanks for your patience as I regroup!

Winter Park Farmers Market Wedding

    Last week I had the privilege of coordinating my friends Marisa and Mike's Friday night wedding at the Winter Park Farmers Market.  With a stellar team that included Heather Ahrens of HA! Photography and DJ Fun Factory, along with assistance from Jessy Rivers of E-Events, this wedding was perfectly woven together by loving friends and family willing to pitch in to make it all come together. 
    Mike and Marisa's laid back personalities and understanding of the wedding day for what it symbolizes made both the ceremony and reception unique.  The ceremony was decorated with Moroccan lanterns at the altar and an overflowing patio of loved ones.  Upon entering the indoor reception at the Winter Park Farmers Market, guests were greeted with an open buffet of Buck's BBQ, a specialty cocktail of "Black Eyed Susans", and Marisa's DIY guest book table decor: a true "family tree" with special portraits of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles hanging with ribbon from each branch.  After much dancing and catching up with friends and family from across the entire country, guests went home happy with a delicious caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
    Thanks to everyone for helping Mike and Marisa celebrate this special day!  Here is a sneak peek of HA! Photography's candid portraits from the evening.

Bridal Blog Awards-- vote for Tickled Pink!

   

    Thanks to everyone who nominated Tickled Pink Brides for The Wedding Channel's Best Bridal Blog Award!  My little 'ole blog is now a finalist and I hope you'll all vote for me by clicking here.  Voting ends on July 21, so please cast your vote and spread the word!

Things to Know About Hiring a Wedding Planner

    Considering hiring a wedding planner but not sure a) if you need one, b) what exactly they do, or c) where to start?  Chicago wedding planner Heather Lynne Vickery of Greatest Expectations recently published an article on OneWed that summarizes my career perfectly.  Here she shares her tips and knowledge on the benefits of hiring a planner and how to select one that's right for you.

1. There are three kinds of “Wedding Planners”
A) Event Producers – If you speak about your wedding as “a wedding production” and have plans to have the video screened at your local theater, this may be the way to go. Event producers can cost $20,000 or more, and specialize in very large events with multiple moving parts.
B) Wedding Day Coordinator – Many people love doing all the legwork and planning of their wedding, they just don’t want to worry about details the day of the wedding. For $500-$3,500 a wedding coordinator can step in, and take care of making sure all the details are in place the day of your wedding.
C) Wedding Planner – A wedding planner helps bring your vision of your wedding day to life. He or she takes care of all the details from day one through the last dance and beyond. Depending on what services you need, and where you live, a typical wedding planner will cost between $1,700-$15,000.

Knowing which kind of event planner you’re looking for can make your search process a lot easier.

2. This should be your first step
If you’re hiring a wedding planner, do yourself a favor and make it the first thing you do (well, besides finding someone to marry). No matter where you are in your planning, an event planner can always step in and help, but involving one at the very beginning will increase your savings of both time and money.

3. Get recommendations and referrals
If you’ve read a lot of these top tips articles, you’re probably sort of bored with this point. But, as I’ve said before, it’s the single most important thing to do. It’s why sites like OneWed let you rate and review vendors. When you first meet with a planner ask him or her for 3-5 referrals. Heather always tries to refer people to more recent clients, including someone for whom she is currently working. If you have any special concerns about your wedding make sure to ask for a referral to a similar couple. For example, if you are planning a Jewish or Catholic wedding, which both have specific requirements that other weddings don’t, ask for a referral from another Jewish or Catholic couple. The planner should also have a portfolio of events, but keep in mind that each of those events was someone else’s vision, it doesn’t have to be yours.

4. Wedding planners are supposed to be helpful
Contrary to reality shows and movies, wedding planners are not supposed to be scary. They are not supposed to make you nervous, yell at you, or impose their will on you. A good wedding planner will listen to you, understand you, and make you feel less stressed, not intimidated. At your first meeting he or she should be asking you questions about your ideas and vision, not forcing their own ideas or vendors on you.

5. Fit is everything
As with the perfect dress, fit is the most important aspect of choosing a wedding planner. You’ll be working closely with this person through most of your planning. One of the things a good planner can do for you is run interference with family members, if you feel that this is a service you’ll need, make sure you feel comfortable that the planner can handle it with tact and discretion.

6. Understand how a planner saves you money
If you’ve ever been a regular customer at a local store or restaurant, you know that it has it’s benefits. You get extra goodies, special treatment, and special deals. Hopefully, you will not be a repeat customer of any wedding vendors! But, your wedding planner is. This is one of the ways they save you money. It’s not that vendors overcharge brides (of course some do), it’s that planners are repeat customers who know how to ask for favors. Similarly, they know how to check vendors’ contracts to make sure that all your needs are included, and prices are reasonable.

The other way planners save you money is by understanding what is and isn’t needed for an event. For example, if you’re having both wedding cake and a sweet table, do you know how big the cake should be, and how many sweets you should order? Probably not, but your planner does and can keep you from over-ordering.

7. You’re paying the planner to have recommendations
One of the reasons you hire a planner is for his or her expertise with other vendors. Your planner should have great options for venues, caterers, photographers, etc. Notice, I said OPTIONS. Planners should recommend vendors they know will serve you well, but they should not push any specific vendor on you. It is important to note though that the more comfortable all your vendors are with each other, the more smoothly your event will run.

8. Understand what you’re paying for
Different wedding planners charge in different ways. Some have specific packages from which you can choose. These packages may specify the number of hours they’ll be working for you, or the services they’ll provide. Others, like Heather, work with you to determine your needs and then give you a flat fee. In either case, the contract should spell out exactly what the services and fees are. You should expect to pay 50% of the fee when signing the contract.

As with all “day of” vendors, tips are not required, but are of course appreciated. Under much duress, Heather suggested 10% of your catering bill would be an appropriate amount to tip a wedding planner who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

9. Ask about emergencies and contingency plans
One of the main reasons to hire a planner is so that you don’t have to worry about anything the day of your wedding. That includes, whether or not the planner will show up! You should ask a planner what happens if he or she is sick, or has a family emergency the day of your wedding. There’s no right answer to this question, but you should get a sense that this person is a professional who has thought about how to handle this issue.

If it won’t stress you out, you might also want to ask the planner about day of emergencies he or she has handled for clients. For example, Heather told me about a limo stuck in traffic, and having the wrong cake show up. These problems were both handled without stressing out the couple, AND after the wedding she was able to contact the vendors and arrange for refunds for the couple. This is another benefit of hiring a planner. If you have a problem on your wedding day, a planner has a lot more pull in getting a refund then you do.

10. The wedding is over, the planner is still working
It may seem impossible to believe now, but the day after your wedding, you won’t want anything to do with weddings! A planner can take care of everything from returning tuxes, to having your dress cleaned and mailing out your pre-written thank-you notes.

Thanks to OneWed and Greatest Expectations for the tips! 

Orlando Wedding Photographer: Liga Photography

    One of my favorite friends I've made working in the Central Florida bridal industry is Liga Photography's Abby Liga, wedding photography extraordinaire!  Abby is able to capture such joy, emotion and intimate moments on a wedding day and I'm always amazed by her talent.  Recently I quizzed Abby on photography--her passion and career.  Below is our interview and a sample of the incredible images that Abby is known for.

How did your love of photography begin?

    It began like most people as a hobby, but at the early age of 13.  It was something that I knew I could do and I got positive feedback from.  When I won my first award at 15, I knew this is what I want to do when I grew up.  From there, I became obsessed with being in the dark room, reading fashion photography magazines, and doing everything I could to learn about the craft.  From there it has developed into a part of me that defines who I am today.  It will always be a relationship that I have that will continue to grow as I do.

How would you describe your photography style? 

    My style is really a mixture of inspirations from different parts of my life.  From the early stages of studying photography masters such as Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon, to studying current wedding photographers like Elizabeth Messina and Joe Buissink, I've drawn inspiration from all of their work.  My style is a mix of romantic, fashion-inspired portraits with an intimate documentary focus.

Do you have any memorable wedding photography stories to share? 

    Hmm...I do always remember one, which was pretty funny at the time.  Maybe it's not AS funny as I remember, but here goes: I was photographing a wedding a couple years ago and the bride, (who was like a size 0) was wearing this absolutely gorgeous ballgown of a wedding dress.  At the reception while she was dancing wtih her father and everyone was watching, the father accidentally stepped on her dress and they both came tumbling down to the ground all while cracking up laughing.  It really made for great photos and a great story.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your career? 

    When I received phone calls or emails from brides or mothers of the brides saying how much they absolutely LOVE their images.  It brings me such purpose and joy to hear that I've given them this gift.  I think being a wedding photographer is an honor and a responsibility that we have to our clients.  A great feeling of peace and gratitude comes over me when I have made my clients happy.

What wedding photography trends are you excited about? 

    I'm excited about how couples are really getting into their portraits.  I think, from a couples' point of view, that a new take on wedding photography is for them to take advantage of this time in their lives and have fun with their photographer.  I also am really starting to enjoy documenting "First Looks" where the bride and groom see each other beforehand.  It really makes for amazing photos.

Do you have any tips for brides on getting perfect wedding photos? 

    Relax and Connect.  Or maybe it's connect, then relax.  These two words can't be any more important. Once you've found your perfect photographer, have fun and remember to laugh and take it easy.  I always say the best images are the ones where you're laughing and being yourself.

What are the most important things a bride and groom should look for in hiring a wedding photographer?

    I think choosing your wedding photographer should be a reflection of who you two are as a couple.

1.  Look for professionalism (obviously).

2.  Follow your instincts- if you don't feel 110% relaxed and confident in their body of work and ways of business, then I would move on.

3.  Most important: An experience that should be nothing short of pleasurable.  Yes, the wedding day experience from your photographer is extremely important, but also think about how the experience will be from your initial consult to final delivery of your album, and everything in between.  I think for photographers, delivering a great experience is part of your brand.

Free Wedding Templates for Download

   

Wedding Chicks has some perfectly pretty downloadable templates for your wedding, making it really easy to customize and print things like favor stickers (below), table numbers on wine bottle labels, and save the date postcards.  Whether your wedding is mainly made of DIY projects or you'd just like to add a couple, these are some simple ways to add hand-made details at a very low cost.

Click here to download and print vintage letter labels for attaching to favors.

Getting in Shape for Your Wedding

 

   Having worked in the wedding gown business, I can tell you that approximately 95% of my brides, while trying on gowns, said they wanted to lose weight or get in shape before their wedding.  And I'm pretty sure I'm not exaggerating that number.  That certainly doesn't mean they all needed to, but upon getting engaged, something fires in our brains telling us that we have just got to trim down to look our best come wedding day.  I admit it-- I did the same thing when I got married!
    So what to do about it?  We can't deny that the biggest get-fit rules are 1) eating healthier, 2) eating less, and 3) exercising.  Need something more specific?  Here are some rules of thumb from celebrity trainers and registered dietitians, as featured on MSNBC and David Zinczenko's The Abs Diet for Women :

• Start your diet and exercise regime upon getting engaged--- don't wait until the last minute.
• Make your fitness goals a priority.  Treat your workouts like a part-time job that you must attend daily.
• Do weight training along with cardio.  Lifting weights will keep your body burning calories long after your workout, and will tone muscles like arms and back that will be seen in your wedding gown.
• Pair eating less calories with exercise.  Don't use just one or the other.
• Cut out high-sugar juices and sodas.  Reach for water instead.
• Be sensible.  Losing too much weight or doing it too quickly will make you lethargic and irritable, unable to fully enjoy your engagement experience.
• Watch your alcohol intake.  There are plenty of events going on making it easy to party your way through the engagement, but most alcoholic drinks are filled with empty calories and also make it easier to inhale way more of the wrong foods.
• If you've waited until the last minute to start losing weight, restrict calories and avoid salt for only a week or two.  Be very wary of crash diets or diet pills, both of which can do more harm than good.
• Try adjusting to a plan that you can continue for life, not just a fad diet.  Restrictive diets and over-the-top exercise plans set you up to gain it back quickly as soon as the honeymoon starts.
• Focus on health and nutrition.  Your body will be much better off if your are properly nourishing it.  You want wedding guests to say you look "fit", not "sick".
• Start taking a multivitamin if you don't already.  This will benefit you big time, especially on a diet, and an increase of folic acid gives your body a boost should you decide to become pregnant in the months after the wedding.
• Cheat once a week.  Take advantage of date nights or dinners with friends, making sure to enjoy your engagement!

Platinum Wedding Band Giveaway on OneWed

   

    If you have not already stopped by OneWed, now is the time to do it.  The site is a valuable resource for both brides and vendors, with inspiration, a fabulous blog called Savvy Scoop,and links to vendors and bridal shows in your area.  Right now, OneWed is hosting an amazing contest, giving away a pair of hand engraved Platinum wedding bands by Kirk Kara, valued at $5,000!  The contest is in honor of the growing trend of women proposing to their men (a la The Proposal, or Monica and Chandler on Friends), and the lucky winner will be able to do just that, armed with these Platinum bands!

Some notes about Platinum:

Color: Unlike white gold, it’s a naturally white metal so the color will never fade.

Strong yet Gentle: It’s the strongest precious metal, so it will stand up to daily wear and tear. Even better, it’s a pure metal, making it hypoallergenic, ideal for the bride or groom with sensitive skin.

Rare: Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold. In fact, it is estimated that if all the mined Platinum in the world was poured into one Olympic-sized swimming pool, it would only be enough to cover your ankles. Gold, on the other hand, would completely fill more than three pools!

Here's how to enter the contest:

Tell us in 200 words or less how you would (or will) POP your Platinum Proposal, and you could win his and hers Platinum wedding bands from jewelry designer Kirk Kara. Send your platinum proposal story to savvyscoop@onewed.com before midnight on July 15th. And don't forget, you must register on OneWed.com first, and provide your OneWed username along with your Platinum Proposal story! For full contest details, rules, and guidelines, click HERE!

Moroccan-Inspired Wedding Ideas

    Inspired by Moroccan lanterns we're using to decorate an upcoming wedding ceremony, today's post is dedicated to Moroccan wedding ideas.  Whether you are a part of Moroccan culture or just appreciate its aesthetics, the jewel tones and intricate details can be incorporated into all parts of your own wedding.  Here are a few ways to add Moroccan spice to your own wedding:

• Lounge style seating with rugs, pillows and cushions in shades of reds, oranges and purples.

Photo from Oh How Charming!

• Mix and match colors and textures for a "thrown together" look on tables and centerpieces.  Try flowers, branches, mismatched votives and vases, and thick, layered table cloths.  Remember, each table does not need to look alike!

Courtenay Lambert Florals and Simply Timeless Photography

• Line tables with lanterns to save on flowers and create a dreamy, candlelit atmosphere.  This makes a beautiful display down a long table, as well as grouped as a centerpiece on round/square tables.
  

Lucia|Paul Design and Brian Widdis Photography
Lanterns available for purchase here

More Moroccan-inspired ideas to try:

• In place of cigar rollers, set up a hookah lounge.  In larger cities, many event rental companies can provide hookahs.
• Hire belly dancers to entertain during dinner.  Search for a belly dance troupe or school in your city and call to hire dancers.
• Serve family-style or passed hors d'ouevres that include hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.
• Have henna artists available to guests during the reception so they can take home an artistic memory of your wedding.  Or, hold a henna party with your female family and bridesmaids the night before the wedding.

Engagement Photo Ideas: Chris Craymer

    While perusing one of my fave sites, Gala Darling, I came across some incredible photography by the UK's Chris Craymer.  This led me to the Romance section of his website, showing unbelievable, candid photos of couples that are so unique and beautiful, I had to share them with you.  I was inspired by some of the shots that would be absolutely fantastic for young and modern engagement portraits.  When you take a look at Romance, you'll find that some of these potential "engagement portraits" are not exactly suitable to send to grandma, but below are my pics for some scenes that might be: