Sara Shoemaker, lead planner and designer for Uniquely Yours, continues her series of recollections from her own wedding day in today’s post with her thoughts on flowers, linens, and catering.
Floral Shop vs. Wedding Floral Designer
Because I did my own centerpieces I just needed bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for my personal flowers. I worked with a regular florist who delivered arrangements, and because I always loved their work I figured they could do what I needed. Yes, they did what I needed but it wasn’t the same as a wedding floral designer. First, they did exactly what I said. I know that sounds weird, but as I said before, I was young and had no idea what I was doing. I wish I were offered suggestions and some creativity. I now have learned that there are floral designers who specialize in only wedding flowers. Not to mention, after working with several incredible designers across Central Florida, I see that it would have been more cost effective to work with them as well.
Who Cares About Linens? You Will!
I knew nothing about linens or even thought of covering tables or chairs. My caterer offered the standard white cloths with a colored bow so I went with that. Little did I know what effect linens have on a room. I always tell my clients that linens are a cost effective and easy way to transform an entire room if selected wisely. It takes a wedding from plain to fun or chic or formal (depending on your overall theme). And also in my planning experience I’ve learned that if I had a planner through the process she could have helped me find better linen options resulting in a more appealing look for less money.
Smart Menu Planning
My caterer was fantastic and I still love to use them to this day. I had a brunch reception that was more for eating and mingling than partying. I went with a few heavy appetizer type options, which after I started planning weddings, I learned can be one of the most expensive options. I could have saved at least 1/3 of my food budget by changing to a meal. It’s good to talk to the caterer about how the prices change based on the type of food you serve as it relates to quantities. If you don’t ask, then they often aren’t willing to share. You mention appetizers because you think they’re cheaper; why would they suggest anything else? Also, by working with a planner through the process, she will work with the caterer directly to put together options that fit your style, wishes and budget.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing insights on entertainment and weather as it relates to attire so please check back in.
Sometimes you can find inspiration in the most unusual and unexpected places. During a recent shopping trip to the neighborhood Publix, I stumbled upon the latest issue of Publix’s publication Grape. Grape is their guide to the “everyday pleasures of wine and food”. The cover boasted three different champagne cocktails with the headline “Bubbly Spring Drinks”. Brides are always looking for different cocktail recipes and ways to showcase them at their weddings or at home while entertaining, so I decided to grab this issue.
The article presented a beautiful layout of various sparkling wines, juices, nectars, and garnishes gathered for guests to “mix and match their way to one of a kind cocktails”. The idea of a bubbly bar is perfect for bridal showers, bridesmaids luncheons, or even intimate brunch receptions. The article also included guidelines for shopping so that you will be sure to purchase just the right quantity and variety for your guests.
You can pick up a copy of the Spring 2010 issue at your neighborhood Publix or subscribe online. Their other publications GreenWise Market and Family Style are also great sources of ideas for cooking and entertaining.
The planners of Uniquely Yours are pleased to announce that our creative services and ideas have been featured in the most recent issue of Brides Florida magazine (Fall/Winter 2009). Brides Florida offers engaged couples a unique “Florida” perspective when it comes to planning their wedding. From venue locations, to fashion and favors, to honeymoon ideas and everything in between - Brides Florida is perfect for Florida brides or brides desiring a destination wedding in Florida. The publication is one of our favorite recommended reads and can be purchased at newsstands all over the state or by following the link here.
We were so excited to see that one of our summer couples, Amy and Justin , were interviewed regarding their menu planning process. You can find the article on page 178. Amy and Justin were seeking a menu that would compliment the location and lighthearted beach atmosphere they wanted to create for their guests. Prior to bringing on planners Uniquely Yours Karry Castillo and Erica Lake, Amy and Justin had been considering a caterer who was suggesting a more formal plated dinner. But upon hearing their ideas for the overall wedding aesthetic and mood, Karry suggested Arthur’s Catering, a firm known for creative cuisine and presentation. Amy and Justin decided to offer stations, each focusing on a different type of “cabana” cuisine that kept the mood of the reception light and laid-back while keeping the guests mingling and delighting over the creative spreads laid before them.
A special thanks goes out the entire editorial team at Brides Florida for including Amy and Justin’s menu planning as part of this great issue!
When people think of wedding publications, The Knot immediately comes to mind. The Knot is synonymous with all that is current in the world of weddings and is an incredible resource for inspiration through their online Real Wedding galleries, interactive planning tools, and both their national/regional print publications. This summer, the Uniquely Yours planning team (Karry Castillo, Sandy Dostal Thornton, and Jackie Becker) had the opportunity to assist with the planning and production of The Knot’s North Florida Networking Luncheon. The luncheon provided a unique outlet for invited professionals across the North Florida region to meet and network. Featured speaker for the luncheon was none other than Alan Berg, Vice President of Local Strategic Marketing and Director of The Knot Market Intelligence. So in addition to the great networking, the attendees were able to hear first hand the newly released results of the Knot’s latest Real Wedding Survey and learn powerful tips and advice for improving their businesses through targeted, specific marketing and sales strategies.
Photo Courtesy of Dawn McCarthy Photography
Selected for its gorgeous landscaping and river views as well as its outstanding cuisine, the beautiful and historic Epping Forest Yacht Club served as the host venue. Epping Forest has been a Jacksonville landmark for nearly a century and was originally the home of Alfred and Jessie duPont. It is a venue that combines all the magnificence and charm of yesterday with today’s style and sophistication. Kudos to Dan Cook, Assistant General Manager/Catering Director, and his staff at the Yacht Club for their outstanding service and commitment to excellence. No wonder, Epping Forest is renown as a beautiful location for Jacksonville weddings and social soirees.
Epping Forest Yacht Club
Back of Epping Forest under the centuries old oaks
Greet Table
Because we were into the early summer months we wanted the event design to be light and fresh and work well within the historical environment of the venue. We decided upon an airy french country palette of soft creams and ivories which would flow well from the outdoor meet and greet through to the indoor luncheon. Lynette Self at the extraordinary Rose of Sharon European Florist brought our vision to life through her creative floral talents and we could not have been more pleased with the beautiful results. Rashida Erskine of BBJ Linen further instilled life and color into our design scheme with coordinating table linens throughout the venue.
Cocktails by the fountain overlooking the river
The Dining Room
Uniquely Yours Planner Sandy Dostal Thornton and BBJ Linen Sales Manager Rashida Erskine
Sharon Clark of I Need A Favor, embellished the Knot emblem and logo to correlate with our theme and location by including a vintage, soft line drawing of the mockingbird. Sharon graciously provided the name tags, menus, sponsor cards, swag bag tags, and programs.
Sponsor Cards
Nametags
Menu
Bag Tags and Programs
Each attendee received a cute Knot tote-bag filled with the latest issue of The Knot Florida and special goodies from the luncheon sponsors without whom we could not have put together such a wonderful and productive event. Special thanks goes out to the following North Florida professionals for their partnership and support:
Peterbrooke Chocolatier – Gourmet Chocolate Popcorn
Choux Designer Cakes & Pastries – Cupcake Dessert Display
The Write Touch – Stationery Items
The Spa At Bartram Walk – Mini Spa Products
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Courtney Craver of Sublime Studios who documented the day along with Eric Torres of Collab-Creation Wedding Filmakers whose video is to be used for future Knot events and training. Thank you Courtney and Eric for your talent and beautiful images. All images courtesy of Courtney Craver of Sublime Studios unless otherwise noted.
Finally, we want to thank David Hanscom of Y? Entertainment whose team went above and beyond the call of duty at the last moment to provide the required audio-visual equipment and tech services as well as the entertainment for the entire event. We were impressed with his response to our call to action and greatly appreciated his sense of humor as well as his technical skills.
Uniquely Yours was honored to not only plan this event and work with the incredible team at The Knot, but also to participate and get to know so many of the wonderful North Florida wedding professionals with whom we look forward to doing business.
Fall is officially here, though we are enjoying the summer temperatures and climate for at least a few more weeks here in Florida. With fall comes the opportunity to welcome the cooler weather by celebrating with friends and families over al fresco dinners and seasonal related gatherings. Whether you are tailgating with friends at your alma mater, hosting a “best of” chili cook-off, or simply enjoying a casual supper club atmosphere celebrating the season’s harvest, you will want to entertain in style. There are so many wonderful products available right now, perfect for fall entertaining. Here are some fall favorites and essentials the Uniquely Yours team recommends for your registry:
All Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker – Great for a number of fall recipes, not too mention year round use for easy and delicious one dish suppers.
Williams Sonoma Essentials of Slow Cooking – A wonderful resource for slow cooker recipes and tips. Really, cooking can’t get any easier.
Use these glass hurricanes for lighting or fill with “fillers” such as cranberries, leaves, or nuts for seasonal color and texture…
And fall is the season for all kinds of pies - Emile Henry Ruffled Pie Dish
And for prepping and rolling out those flaky pie crusts – Marble Pastry Board
And we absolutely adore these Covered Pumpkin Mugs and Leaf Plates, perfect for hot soup, chili, or beverages…
For serving sandwiches while tailgating or cheese at a wine tasting – Wood Wineglass Appetizer Plates
Beautiful plates for dinner or dessert – Harvest Fruit and Acorn Plates
Linens in Autumn Hues… Chrysanthemum Napkins
And for some fun, how about a pumpkin carving kit for carving out creative jack o lantern designs?
For Your Lighting Needs - Zinc Hurricane Lanterns and Birch Wrapped Candles
Create an autumnal scene beneath these glass cloches…
Serve up a delicious fall themed salad from this rustic bark rimmed salad set…
And don’t forget a pretty display stand for those pies you’ll be baking – Emma Cake Stand
For special dinners from fall into late winter, serve with these pieces – Lenox Park City Metal Serveware Collection
Do not rush into selecting registry items. Take your time and give careful thought to the things you require for daily use, occasional use, and seasonal specific use. You want your registry to be well-rounded and represent your lifestyle. And remember, be sure to select items that you can enjoy in every season. Look for a post in the coming months with our favorite registry items for holiday and winter entertaining.
Happy Seasonal Entertaining!
This summer the Uniquely Yours wedding planning team has been immersed in assisting brides who are planning culture specific weddings as well as increasing our knowledge and experience with a variety of cultural wedding traditions. Staying atop traditions and trends in weddings is key to offering our clients an amazing and informed planning experience. Uniquely Yours planners Karry and Sandy recently attended a seminar on Indian weddings at the beautiful Wyndham Resort in Orlando. Not only did we learn more about the traditional elements of Hindu weddings, but we were also educated on the important differences and similarities between Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim weddings. The decor presented at the seminar was beautiful, offering a glimpse into some of the current trends and how they fit within the overall traditions and design of modern Indian weddings. Another key element of the seminar was the food presentation which offered an opportunity to taste a variety of traditional and modern fusion dishes. Our past experiences have including planning a variety of culturally and religiously diverse weddings including Hispanic (note: there is also great diversity among predominantly Hispanic countries/cultures), Egyptian, pagan, and Greek. We are always excited to bring to life the cultural traditions and experiences of our clients within their weddings, and look forward to incorporating this new knowledge into our client services.
Henna Experience – Sandy’s and Karry’s hands. Aren’t the designs beautiful?
Beautiful Invitations and Decor
The late spring and early summer months were busy ones with the Uniquely Yours planning team attending conferences and making appearances at various wedding industry happenings. One of those happenings was The Sophisticated Bridal Showcase - “Something Blue”, a favorite among the Uniquely Yours planners. Frederick Smith, showcase producer, put together an amazing event featuring many of Central Florida’s finest wedding professionals at the expansive and beautiful Gaylord Palms. Guests were greeted in the ballroom foyer which was decked out as a cool lounge area, courtesy of Room Service Rentals. Here they could take in a beverage and enjoy the creatively inspired work of renown photographer Damon Tucci. Stepping into the ballroom, the guests were able to visit the booths of the featured wedding professionals which spanned every category imaginable from favors to custom invitations, bridal fashions, cakes, event design, venues, and more! Savvy brides were able to make significant planning progress by setting appointments with wedding professionals, taking advantage of special offers available the day of the show, and arming themselves with new products and ideas for customizing their own weddings. We were proud to be part of this showcase. Within this luxurious setting, we were able to showcase our wedding planning firm, network with some incredibly talented professionals and best of all, connect with so many wonderful, sweet couples looking to plan their weddings in style. A huge thanks goes out to Frederick Smith for bringing the Sophisticated Showcase to Orlando. We had a great time, and look forward to the next one!
Here are a few pictures of our booth. We went with a cooler, South Beach style take on the “Something Blue” theme. We think it turned out beautifully.
Amy and Justin were married on March 28 in a wedding that can best be summed up as a whimsical “barefoot on the beach” celebration. Soft whites, ivories, and sea greens predominated the overall color scheme which perfectly complimented the natural backdrop of the ocean and sand dunes. Ann and Sara of Thallo Floral Design were responsible for the beautiful florals woven throughout the day from the bouquets and beach deck through to the dining reception. The ceremony took place on a private beach in the breeze under a bamboo altar area and was officiated by Rev. Phil Hartwell. From the ceremony, guests transitioned to the cocktail space where they were greeted with specialty “bride” and “groom” drinks. Hors d’ouevres included margarita shrimp, lobster lollipops, mini sliders, and a grilled cheese and tomato bisque shooter. Guests then moved to the dining tent where they experienced a “barefoot on the beach” menu custom designed by Arthur’s Catering of Orlando. The menu featured a variety of stations including an angus beef and potato martini bar, a Fish in the Sea station offering seared mahi mahi, jicama slaw, and tortilla wraps, and a Cabana Cuisine display offering jamaican jerk chicken, cuban sandwiches, southwest quesadillas, a pineapple fruit tree, and a variety of crisp breads with savory spreads. The dining experience concluded with a dessert station offering a variety of decadent mini indulgences presented in shot glasses, wedding cake, and a very popular s’mores station. Guests danced and partied into the night, thanks to DJ Kevin of Sophisticated Gents Entertainment. Amy was not only a beautiful and graceful bride, but she was also quite busy in the days leading up to the wedding crafting and creating many of the beautiful decor elements which included her invitations, programs, candle favors, escort starfish, and signage. The entire day was captured by the talented Nicki and Chrissy of Vitalic Photography and the creative Alex Karas of Voila Cinematic. Uniquely Yours Wedding & Event Specialist were proud to be part of such a beautiful wedding celebration. Congratulations Amy and Justin. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and wonderful wedding day memories.
The Wedding Team
Uniquely Yours Wedding & Event Specialist – Erica Lake and Karry Castillo for partial planning and design, referrals, coordination, and management
Vitalic Photography – wedding day photography
Voila Cinematic – wedding cinematography
Thallo Floral Design – bouquets, centerpieces, decor items
Sophisticated Gents Entertainment – dj and entertainment services
Sticks and Steel – steel drum entertainment for the ceremony
Arthurs Catering – menu design, catering, and bartending services
Premier Party Rentals – tent, tables, chairs, bars, linens
BBJ Linens – specialty linens
Boca Valet – parking and valet services
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