Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue

When picking a venue for your wedding it is best to do your research. You need to consider all aspects of what you are looking for in the space from lighting to floor type before you start going out on site visits.

The biggest thing to consider will be your budget. Before you even decide whether you want the wedding to be indoors or outdoors, discuss the wedding funds with all those involved. Keep that number in mind while looking, there is nothing worse than finding the location of your dreams only to find out it is three times above what you are able to pay.

How you distribute your budget will affect the location you chose. If you are more interested in having an extravagant cake or a five course meal at your reception, you will need to consider that when searching for a  venue. Before you even visit the venue, find out what is included. Many places will offer catering, and have “suggestions” for the DJ, Event Planner, and Bakery that they have worked well with in the past. Often times those are extra parts of your wedding that you will have to hire out in addition to the venue.

If there is a caterer onsite you are required to use - clarify what their minimum is per guest, minimum guest count, and what you will be charged if you do not reach that number. Aiming for a wedding with more than 150 people? Then find out what their maximum occupancy is. There is nothing worse than searching online, finding a venue you fall in love with only to arrive and be disappointed.

Your wedding is all about you and your soon to be hubby, but you do need to think about your guests. If there are out of town guests, are there hotels in the area? Is there ample parking, or is the venue within walking distance of said hotels? If there are older guests, is there wheel chair accessibility? These are all questions you will need to consider in narrowing down your location.

Now that you have sifted out the venues that really won’t work, you should have a more manageable list of options. Time for the fun part!What do you and your significant other want? Natural lighting is a gorgeous feature, but sometimes hiring a lighting specialist who can do uplighting and add drapery will make a dark facility pop and bring it back in line with your wedding vision. Are you more about the photos, the party, or a little bit of both? If the photos are at the top of your list consider a place with a view, if the party part of your wedding excites you find out about the noise ordinances in the area.

This is not an inclusive list, however these are the main items you need to consider in choosing a wedding venue. Congratulations on your engagement and best of luck finding the perfect venue for your Cinderella dream wedding!

Congratulations to my little sister on her engagement on Valentine's Day this past weekend!! :)

The future Mr. & Mrs. Trifone

Fashion Friday: Bridal Edition - Finding the Perfect Dress

With weddings still on the forefront of my mind I wanted to share with you my tips on finding the perfect wedding dress. When choosing your dress think about what you want before you venture out to the bridal boutiques. Before you even start looking at shops, think about your budget and the maximum amount you want to spend. Once you know what you are working with write out a list of optional stores in your area you want to check out.

Next think about your style. A full skirted ball gown might not be the choice for you if you are generally drawn to slim fitting maxi skirts. Do you like glitter/sequins, lace; how about bead work? Should the dress be shiny or matte? Do you want a train? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself.

Beadwork on my wedding gown.

Don't forget about accessories, if you are set on a floor length veil keep that in mind while looking. These are all aspects you need to consider in starting out your search for the dress.

It's easier to focus and not be overwhelmed when you know what you don't want. If you know you are against glitter and satin entirely, don't waste your time. Maybe look at one in person, then move on. Otherwise you will be in there for hours sifting through dresses.

Spinning in my gorgeous wedding dress.

To be in line with the trends just look to the styles on the street and think more over the top. My dress was like a fancy bohemian fitted maxi dress with lace. I absolutely loved my dress and wish I could have worn it for more than just a few hours.

If you've already went through the process that is wedding planning do you have any tips for other brides when picking out their perfect dress?

Georgia Trip - Part 1, The Wedding & Atlanta

This past week I took a trip to Northwest Georgia with my husband to help a college friend with her wedding. She contacted me a few months ago to help with the wedding planning and coordination. We took our time making our way the 7+ hours north and stopped in Atlanta on the way up.

Downtown Atlanta at Night

I had been to Atlanta about 10 years ago but it was Dee's first time. We were there only a short while, less than 24 hours, but took the time to check out downtown from the Sundial Restaurant and Bar at the top of the Westin.

The Sundial is 72 stories high and rotates 360 degrees about every half an hour so you get a full view of Atlanta and beyond. Drinks were on the pricey side but that was expected with the atmosphere and spectacular view. Even the elevator ride up was breathtaking, but also nerve racking. Dee and I were both backed up to the wall from the windows with shaky legs. 72 stories is really high, and yes I've been skydiving but this was different. There was no parachute strapped to my back! ;)

The wedding was beautiful and set in a gorgeous venue in the mountains of Lakemont, Georgia. Pinterest projects filled the Pavilion at Lake Rabun making for the perfect shabby chic wedding. The rain slowed everything down a bit and moved the ceremony inside, but once the bouqet was tossed I finally could relax knowing that the bride and groom were happy. With the majority of my job complete until the guests left it was time for a glass of champagne to me- cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs. Carter! It was really nice seeing old friends from college and making some new ones too.

Just Married!!

The beautiful wedding cakes provided by Publix.

Being in Georgia reminded me of western Maryland and brought back many memories for me. I think we were about 3 weeks early to see the leaves changing, but we did take the time to do some hiking while were in Lakemont. More on that in my next post though.

The view from the Pavilion at Lake Rabun

I'm thrilled I had the opportunity to help Lundyn & Elliot make some of the most cherished memories they will have in their lives. The experiences I had on this trip and the breathtaking views will be fluttering through my mind this week as we get back to work and the real world. It was nice to escape for a little bit, but I'm ready to be home. To be able to cook some of my own meals and get back on my 10K training schedule is totally needed.

Busy with Writing, Wedding Planning, & Modeling

Sitting here this Saturday morning sipping my caramel latte from Kookaburra I'm thinking about how awesome this month will be. There's so much excitement going on right now, and the month is sure to fly by.

For starters, I've landed another writing gig! St. Augustine Social contacted me with an opportunity and I've signed on as a contributor for their magazine and site. I'm excited to be working with another publisher writing about St. Augustine. Stay tuned on my social media accounts to see some of the blog posts I write for them.

St. Augustine Social

St. Augustine may first appear as a sleepy little historic town with a beach, but there really is plenty to do here for young, active families and individuals. With the growing number of young entrepreneurs in town, there are increasingly more ways to spend your free time. Our town is truly amazing—why do you think so many people visit and then move here, or leave town only to come back? I can't wait to reach other locals and visitors to get them more in the know of what's happening here.

Next week I will be traveling to Georgia to help a college friend with her wedding. She and her soon to be husband hired me on as their wedding planner. More than just the day of coordination this time, I've been using my experience with weddings to help them figure out all the little details. Neither the bride nor the groom has ever attended a wedding—this blew my mind but it's not the first time I've heard it. I've enjoyed working with them and can't wait to get up there to make their wedding day be one of the best memories they will have. I think about my own wedding all the time and how thankful I am to have had a coordinator. No matter the wedding size it's nice to have someone else handle the stresses that day.

How cute are these two? :)

Shortly after coming back from Georgia I'll be in a fashion show. Panache, a local salon and spa, is having their annual Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show and I will be modeling again. The last time I was in this show was when I was working there in 2008 at the front desk. It will be fun to be back with many of the same designers again and see some old friends. All of the looks are made from recycled materials, the theme for our group this year is based around cords. Phone, internet, old computer cords, etc. I'll be sure to post some photos on the day of so follow me on Insta if you aren't already!

Backstage at the 2008 Eco Fashion Show. I'm second from the left with super short hair. Hubs is in the middle ;)

Well, back to Saturday morning life and too much caffeine running through my veins. I'm off to bark some more at my smallest dog  through the paper towel roll, he loves it. haha

Is fall a wonderful time of year or what?! What do you have going on this month?

Bridal Modeling for Occasions Magazine at Flagler College

I was contacted by a friend in the wedding planning industry a few months ago to model for a styled bridal shoot at my alma mater, Flagler College. I had styled a wedding shoot before and couldn't wait to be involved in one again, especially right after getting married. My dress and his suit still fit, and we have the post wedding glow so it was perfect.

It was awesome to finally see the finished solarium and the view from the top of my old school. We were never allowed to go up to this area before as it was in need of major repairs-it's beautiful now.

We have seen this one in print ads and on the site for Flagler College! Woot!

Isn't my school pretty! And how about that handsome guy I get to call mine? ;)

This one is my favorite! :)

You can see more images and the detail shots from the shoot on Occasions Magazine.

Vendors:

Venue: Flagler College, Solarium
Planning & Design: The BIG Event

Photography: Life and Love Studio 

Floral: The Conservatorie

Hair & Makeup: Mon Petite Chou 

The Rings

Well I thought I was done posting about our wedding until I remembered I hadn't shared these sketches from the ring. This might bring tears to your eyes, Dee went online and found my wedding Pinterest board, he then printed them out and took them to a local jeweler to design the perfect ring for me. I'm not kidding, it's totally a dream to me still. Here's the sketches that he and Dan Neff came up with.

Neff Jewelers custom designed ring.

And here's the finished product. A cognac rough diamond accented with champagne and white cut diamonds in a white gold filigreed band. Gorgeous and so perfectly, me.

Photo Credit: Neff Jewelers

My wedding band is a great compliment to the engagement ring, also designed by Neff Jewelers. Again champagne and white cut diamonds in the same shape as the engagement rings band.
I love my rings, my husband did a great job and I appreciate Neff Jewelers helping him bring the design to life.

Our Wedding Reception at Princess Place Preserve

A year ago today my now husband took me down to a frigid Vilano Beach to "search for sharks teeth," and he proposed! I can't believe that a year has already past and I am now his Mrs. Some of my best memories are from this last year. Love you Mr. Alvarado!

12/30/2012 Proposal - Vilano Beach, Florida

In an effort to close out 2013 and start the new year fresh, here is the last of our wedding photos. After getting married in Jamaica, we had our reception 3 months later at Princess Place Preserve.

My hubby designed us a corn-hole set and had it made up by Southern Cornhole, we served some amazing local BBQ, along with sides from our friends at Romano's. We set up horseshoes and had a tent right along the water at Princess Place Preserve. I loved it, so different from our island ceremony and so perfect.

Patty (my sister), My Mom, Me, Dee, Bob (my stepfather). 

Dee, Me, Melissa (my stepmother), my Dad.

Esperanza (my mother in law), Carlos (my brother in law), Dana,

Dee's childhood friend Lindsey and her Mom, Sharon.

My Uncle Robert, Aunt Rebecca, cousin Amy Beth with us.

With our friends Martina & Ethan. Martina was a huge help with getting everything set up, I couldn't have done it without her assistance. Thanks again lady! :)

It was so nice to see our family and friends all together in one spot. So much love!

THE cake! We didn't have one on our wedding day, it was nice to include everyone in on the tradition.

Our cake was from the Publix bakery, and it was delicious. It was a carrot cake with cream cheese icing on 2 layers, and Dee wanted Cannoli filling as icing so that was the top tier.
Note to all brides: if he says he's not going to cake smash you, don't believe him!! Dee promised he wouldn't and he still got me.

Friends signing the guest book  slice of wood Dee burned with two hearts.

We had our wedding video looping on the TV with a photo album out for the guests to flip through.

You're looking at a lot of DIY here. The gold frames were cheap black frames from the dollar store, I painted the "love" and the "A", we painted all the mason jars on the table and arranged the flowers ourselves, the cake topper was DIY, our guest book/wood plank everyone signed... It was fun though, I enjoyed the DIY'ing and everything came out great.

Straightening up after the cake smashing.

I've got lots to look forward to this year and I'm lucky to have my husband by my side cheering me on.

Cheers to 2014 and many new fond memories!

More of our Wedding Festivities:

Bachelorette Party

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Our Wedding Video

The Rings

Our Jamaican Wedding Video

This is my favorite expense from our wedding. Yes it was the largest expense, but it was totally worth it. If you are getting married I highly recommend hiring a videographer, especially if you have loved ones that aren't able to make it.


Are you crying yet? I've seen this over 25 times, probably over 50 actually, and I am still tearing up every time I watch it. 

Did you have a videographer at your wedding?

Videographer: RG Weddings

Final Video Edit: Franchot Barba

Our Jamaican Wedding (Part 3)

Phew! Now that the craziness of our wedding is complete, I can finally relax...well maybe not. I am however finally ready to share our wedding photos.

I am so happy we got married how we did. The ceremony was very relaxed and I was able to enjoy every minute of the day. The people who could make it to our wedding did, and my husband made sure my Dad was there to walk me down the aisle. {insert big smile here} We almost did a full on elopement with no one but us, I am so glad we didn't. It was nice to have our close family there for a quick wedding adventure. It may have been a little warmer than everyone would have liked, but I wouldn't change a single detail for the world.

Our reception was this past weekend here in Florida, and was perfect for us. We played corn hole, horse shoes, bocce ball, had a BBQ lunch, and a beautiful wedding cake surrounded by friends and family. It was nice to be able to hang out with everyone and celebrate our marriage with our loved ones. :)

Ceremony Location: Galina Breeze in St. Mary, Jamaica

Photographer: RG Weddings and my Father in Law

Dress: Mignon

Necklace and Bracelet: Sailor's Omen

~

More of our Wedding Festivities:

Bachelorette Party

Part 1

Part 2: Detail Photos