Feature Friday

Feature Friday: Mother’s Day Events in Orlando

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

Once again, we find ourselves with a weekend offering very few wedding-related events here in Orlando. Why? Because this is Mother’s Day weekend, of course! What better time to thank your mother or another special woman in your life…maybe one who is helping you plan your wedding? Here are just a few ideas of great ways to celebrate with them:

5/12/12 – Beat the Mother’s Day crowd by making reservations for the Rosen Shingle Creek Mother’s Day Tea Event this Saturday. From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., you can enjoy a performance by the Elizabeth Parsons Community Dance Group while partaking of tea and trimmings. The price is $23 per person. For all the details, including how to make reservations, please visit their website, linked above.

*Just Marry! Tip: Rosen is also offering discounts on room rates and services at their amazing spa—and a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday. Consider making a weekend of it and really pampering that special lady in your life, even if that special lady is you!

5/13/12 – Orlando is home to a large number of fine-dining restaurants. For Mother’s Day brunch, lunch, or dinner, we suggest visiting OpenTable.com and checking out the great discounts and offers by local vendors. Scroll through reviews, ratings, menus, and more—then make your reservations online! How much easier can it get?

*Just Marry! Tip: Make those reservations as soon as possible, especially for dinner. Mother’s Day is one of the busiest restaurant days of the year!

5/13/12 – If Mom insists that she doesn’t want you spending money on her, there are a number of free Mother’s Day offers you can consider. For example, Mom can eat free at a number of fine dining restaurants owned by Talk of the Town Restaurants with the purchase of a $35 entree. And if you want to avoid the crowds at the restaurants, you can just spend time with Mom at venues such as Medieval Times, the Orange County History Center, or Leu Gardens.

*Just Marry! Tip: The important women in your life don’t need a lot of money spent on them to know how much they’re appreciated. Be creative, have fun, and make sure to express your appreciation the best way for both of you!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: The Serious Art of Make-Believe, Great American Pie Festival, & Taste of Pointe Orlando

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

With bridal shows taking a bit of a break this weekend, we found some fun and unique events around town instead. From experiencing amazing art to sampling scrumptious food, here are some activities that you can enjoy rain or shine. Oh…and don’t forget that the Winestock event we posted last week is now taking place this weekend! Don’t miss these events around town:

4/27/12 – 4/29/12 – Running through this Sunday is The Serious Art of Make-Believe from the Archives of Universal Orlando Resort at the Orange County Regional History Center. For a rare opportunity to see some of the brilliant imaginary worlds created by the Universal Orlando Resort Art and Design Department, as well as interactive activities for adults and kids alike, don’t miss this event! General admission for adults is $9, and $7 or less for students, seniors and children. For more details, including hours of operation, please visit their website above.

*Just Marry! Tip: Did you know that Just Marry! is the preferred wedding planning company partnering with Universal Orlando Resorts? If you visit this exhibit and get inspired to have a Universal wedding, be sure to reach out to us!

4/28/12 – 4/29/12 – This weekend is the 11th annual Great American Pie Festival® sponsored by Crisco® held in Lakeside Park in Celebration. This Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., attendees can sample from the Never-Ending Pie Buffet and enter decorating and pie-eating contests. The price for admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children up to age 12.

*Just Marry! Tip: This could be a great place to meet a talented amateur baker or a local pro. Consider asking participants whose pies you enjoy whether they also make wedding cakes!

4/29/12 – For an outdoor event that supports local businesses, come out to the Taste of Pointe Orlando this Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and enjoy samplings of food from the fabulous restaurants in the area. Tickets are $30 per person.

*Just Marry! Tip: Many venues at Pointe Orlando offer private dining spaces. You can experience some of the food in this casual and fun manner and then reach out to a Just Marry! wedding planner to help you plan the perfect reception!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Cabaret & Cabernet, Winestock 2012 (postponed), and a Bridal Show

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

With a month of spring now behind us, there are a number of outdoor festivals and events taking place around Orlando. This weekend, in particular, features a couple of amazing wine-centric events! If you’re seeking something unique and interesting to do this weekend, check out one of these great ideas:

4/21/12 – For a glamorous evening with your significant other, you should check out the Cabaret & Cabernet event at UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management. This Saturday from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., you can experience a journey through the 1920s, complete with food, wine and entertainment. The price for admission is $65 per person, and proceeds benefit the college’s event department.

*Just Marry! Tip: Consider a classy, jazz-inspired wedding theme and note some of the elements incorporated in this event. You might find the perfect décor and music inspirations!

4/21/12 – ***PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED, SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS*** If a more casual event featuring food, wine and live entertainment is more your speed, you could attend Winestock 2011 in Altamonte Springs at Cranes Roost Park. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for this 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. event. With the price of admission just $30 per person if you purchase in advance, this is a fun and affordable way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon!

*Just Marry! Tip: Unfamiliar with wines and how to pair them with food? This event will be a great way to learn more about it as you design your reception menu!

4/22/12 – If you’re seeking a wedding-related event this weekend, the 2012 Central Florida Bridal Showcase is taking place this Sunday at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City. Running from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., the show will include a fashion show by Robyn Lynne of Lakeside Village, a drawing for a bridal gown and other great prizes. Tickets are only $5 per person, making this an inexpensive way to do a little research for your special day!

*Just Marry! Tip: Because this isn’t one of the city’s largest bridal events, you could get more one-on-one interaction with the participating vendors. That might make it well worth the trip!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Leu Gardens, Morse Museum, & Hard Rock LIVE

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

The first full weekend in April is upon us, and with it comes a break in the wedding planning activities and instead brings a number of Easter-related events. Don’t worry if you don’t celebrate Easter or just want a change from all of the egg hunts—we’ve got you covered! There are plenty of other fun events around town, such as:

4/6/12 – Tonight at 6:00 p.m., you and your special someone can enjoy Date Night at Leu Gardens. Grab a blanket or a couple of chairs, pack a picnic basket with some snacks (and possibly some wine), and settle in for a viewing of the movie Twilight. The price for admission is $5.00 plus tax for adults and $2.00 plus tax for children (Leu Gardens’ members are free). For more information and directions to the venue, please visit their website.

*Just Marry! Tip: This can be a great way to gear up for a weekend that’s likely going to be spent surrounded by your family…some quality time with just you and your significant other!

4/6/12 – 4/8/12 – Easter weekend means free admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The museum only hosts a limited number of open house events each year, so don’t miss out! If you’re a fan of Louis Comfort Tiffany, you can check out the world’s largest collection of his works. You’ll also find an abundance of other American pottery, painting, graphics and decorative art.

*Just Marry! Tip: Check out the museums’ gift shop for some creative wedding favor and bridal party gift ideas!

4/12/12 – Coming up this week at one of our partner Orlando wedding venues, Hard Rock LIVE, is a concert featuring Daughtry, Safety Suit and Mike Sanchez. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 8:00 show start. Tickets start at $39.50. For more information about this event, please visit their website.

*Just Marry! Tip: Getting married in the next week or two? Consider taking your bridal party to the concert as your thank-you to them for their participation in your special day!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Braves Spring Training, Food & Wine Festival, and Honeymoon Planning Event

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

You could have fooled us, but April arrives this weekend—and with it comes a variety of fun and inspiring events. Whether you’re trying to find the ideal honeymoon destination or you’re hoping to plan a unique outing for your bridal party, you’ll get the hookup here:

3/30/12 – 4/2/12 – This is the last weekend to catch an Atlanta Braves spring training game at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. With tickets starting at only $10 each, this is a great way to enjoy a beautiful spring day with the family, or just as a couple! For a schedule of events or to buy tickets, please visit their website.

*Just Marry! Tip: Grooms tend to get worn out by the wedding planning experience, regardless of how many (or how few!) tasks are required of them. Why not take him to the game as a special treat?

3/31/12 – 4/1/12 – Come out to Lake Eola this weekend for Orlando’s Downtown Food & Wine Fest. With performances by American Idol winner David Cook and a number of other highly-rated musical acts, and an abundance of amazing food and wine to sample, there’s little wonder that this is such a popular event! Admission is only $10 if purchased in advance, or $15 at the gates.

*Just Marry! Tip: Getting married soon? Consider treating your guests to a night on the town at the Food & Wine Fest as a joint bachelor-bachelorette outing, or just a bridal party thank-you event!

3/31/12 – Couples who are planning their honeymoons might want to participate in the Romance of the Caribbean Event hosted by Breakaway Moments. Running from noon until 4:00 p.m. in Crane’s Roost in Altamonte Springs, this event offers free admission to couples and will include a variety of travel specialists focused on helping you plan the perfect destination honeymoon. For more information about this event, please visit their website above.

*Just Marry! Tip: Booking through a travel agent can get you great deals on inclusive packages. Make a list of everything that interests you in a honeymoon, including your budget, before you attend the event to make sure you get the most helpful information!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Trunk Show, Bridal Extravaganza, Wantilan Luau

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

We’re heading into the last week of March, so it’s time to get out and enjoy the glimpse of spring that we get to enjoy here in Orlando before summer hits. Although there are a number of wedding planning events going on right now, we made sure to include at least one idea to get you out and enjoy the great weather! Be sure to check out these Orlando events this weekend:

3/23/12 – 3/25/12 – This weekend at Solutions Bridal you can attend the Ciarla Bride Couture trunk show. Designer Jessica Ciarla is known for her unique “high fashion” couture designs that compliment a bride’s silhouette and her wedding’s color scheme. To see some of the gowns in advance and learn more about the designer, please visit her website. To request more information or RSVP for the show, contact the Solutions Bridal team at 407-647-8666 or tali@solutionsbridal.com.

*Just Marry! Tip: This designer got her start by creating exceptional bridesmaids’ gowns. Bring your wedding party with you to the show so you can all select your dresses at the same time!

3/24/12 – Couples seeking to meet some Orlando wedding vendors and find general wedding inspiration can check out the Central Florida Spring Bridal Extravaganza this Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the University of Central Florida. The best part? Admission is FREE and some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to charity! Visit Perfect Wedding Guide’s site for event details and other great wedding planning tips!

*Just Marry! Tip: Attending events such as this one helps support local education and a good cause. Dropping by and making even a small purchase or contribution can make you feel twice as good about your wedding planning efforts!

3/24/12 (and every Saturday year-round) – Before the hotels around Orlando fill to capacity with folks visiting this summer, couples should check out the Wantilan Luau at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Featuring food, music, dancing and entertainment inspired by the Polynesian islands, the luaus take place nightly on Saturdays and seasonally on Tuesday nights. Tickets are $60 for adults and $33 for children ages 12 and under (pricing includes gratuity, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer and mai tais).

*Just Marry! Tip: If you’re planning a tropical and/or beach wedding, the Royal Pacific offers two different beaches for ceremonies (and you could even have a reception at the Wantilan Pavilion)! A member of the Just Marry! team would be happy to meet you for a tour.

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Beautiful Music, and BASE Camp 5K

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

You’ll need the luck of the Irish to get through this weekend as we welcome another St. Patrick’s Day. Sure, you can head over to your local Irish pub for a bit of holiday flavor, but why not also check out some of these terrific events on what will surely be a sunny and lovely weekend:

3/16 – 3/18/12 – A very popular event in the Orlando area takes place this weekend. The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival starts this morning at 9:00 a.m. and runs each day of the weekend until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. This is an event for the entire family, complete with unique crafts and artwork, music and entertainment, and ongoing children’s workshops. Visit their website for more information, including maps and parking tips!

*Just Marry! Tip: Consider hiring an artist whose work you admire to sketch or paint a picture of you and your future spouse that you can display at your wedding reception and then in your home afterwards!

3/17 – 3/18/12 and 3/20/12 – As a part of the Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival on the 17th and 18th as well as at the Grand Opening of the Florida Hospital Tri-Building on the 20th, one of our vendor partners, Beautiful Music, will be conducting several live performances. Ranging from the “Paint it Black” Quartet to a trio of flutes, you can be sure to find elegant and beautiful musical selections at these events. Visit their website for more information and to hear music samples!

*Just Marry! Tip: Hearing musicians live can be an excellent way to gauge whether they would work well for your wedding. Consider getting out to see Beautiful Music on one of these event days and then contact us to get a quote to book them for your event!

3/18/12 – This Sunday at 7:00 a.m., you’ll find the Just Marry! and Just Right! teams participating in the Base Camp 5K for Patient Programs in Baldwin Park. This charity event benefits the Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, which serves families in Orlando and Central Florida. For more information about this wonderful organization or the 5K event, visit their website!

*Just Marry! Tip: In lieu of wedding gifts, some couples ask guests to make donations to a cause or charity. Supporting local organizations like Base Camp is an especially nice way to spread the love!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, A Bridal Show To Remember, and The Not Wedding

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

Spring is in the air! With only a little over a week until the spring equinox arrives, it’s hard to resist spending weekends outside and relaxing. But there are always weddings to plan, so here are some events that might get you out to enjoy the day while achieving your planning goals:

3/7-5/20/12 – One of the most popular events in the Orlando area this time of year is Walt Disney World’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Sponsored by HGTV, this event truly reflects spring with its bright and colorful floral and breathtaking landscapes. Be sure to bring your camera to this fun and inspiring event! The price of admission is the park fare.

*Just Marry! Tip: Seeking ideas for your wedding floral and décor? This is an excellent event to pick up tips and insights! Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to speak with on-site personnel who can answer questions about appropriate flowers and plants for weddings and events.

3/11/12 – This Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. is A Bridal Show to Remember, hosted by the Central Florida Bridal Association. With tickets only $5.00 if paid in advance, this is an inexpensive way to meet more than thirty of Orlando’s wedding vendors. This event will take place at The Rosen Centre hotel (9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819).

*Just Marry! Tip: If you have a larger bag, such as a hobo-style purse or a canvas bag with sturdy straps, consider bringing that instead of a small purse. While you may receive a bag from the venue to collect any “freebies,” it might be a plastic bag that won’t hold as much!

3/15/12 – In a very unique form of “bridal show,” the Heaven Event Center is hosting The Not Wedding on Thursday the 15th from 5:45 to 9:00 p.m. Treating guests to a complete wedding ceremony followed by a sit-down dinner reception, this event showcases hand-picked wedding vendors so that couples can fully experience what their wedding would be like if they booked them. The venue address is 8240 Exchange Dr Orlando, FL 32809 and tickets are $35 per person.

*Just Marry! Tip: Bring along some paper and a pen so that you can take notes about what elements of the ceremony and reception catch your eye. Then you can reach out to our planning team so we can help you pull it all together!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday: Strawberry Festival, Trunk Show, and Musica Della Notte

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

Yes, it’s true…we’ve just flipped the calendar on another month and ushered in March. Where does the time go, you ask? Well, hopefully it’s been spent enjoying some of the great events around town! We’ve put together another list of suggestions for you ranging from fun to romantic. We hope you’ll fit a few of these into your planning schedules:

3/1-3/11/12The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City has begun! This weekend kicks off almost two weeks of festivities that include such events as concerts and live shows, a cake decorating contest, craft fairs, a petting zoo, and (of course) plenty of freshly made strawberry shortcake to go around. For more information, including ticket pricing and concert dates and times, check out the festival’s website.

*Just Marry! Tip: Even a casual and fun event like this can be inspiring for brides who are planning their weddings! Browse the craft tents for creative décor and favor ideas, and take pictures of cakes you like in the cake decorating contest.

3/2-3/10/12Solutions Bridal is hosting the Badgley Mischka Bridal & Desla Couture Trunk Show from March 2nd to the 11th. The design team of Mark Badgley and James Mischka has been called one of the “Top 10 American Designers” by Vogue, so you’ll definitely want to check out some of their remarkable designs. And why not round out your beautiful wedding ensemble with some Desla accessories? As always, this event is by appointment only, so contact the Solutions team at 407-647-8666 or tali@solutionsbridal.com.

*Just Marry! Tip: Trunk shows can be a great way to involve your mother, your future mother-in-law, and other women participating in your wedding. Consider making it a “girls’ outing” and inviting a couple of women whose opinions you value so they can help you pick the perfect bridal wardrobe!

Musica Della Notte (ongoing event) – If you’re seeking some “together time” with your future spouse, consider a romantic evening at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The resort’s Musica Della Notte (Music of the Night) balcony show occurs nightly (weather permitting).

*Just Marry! Tip: Make a true night of it by reserving a suite at the resort so that you and your special someone can enjoy even more quality time together. You could even plan this as a wonderful surprise!

These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”

Feature Friday Special Edition: Wedding DIY Weekend

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Our Feature Friday blog is where you’ll find out what’s happening in and around Orlando. We’ll focus on wedding-related events (but throw in some odds and ends, too, so we keep you guessing!). Know of an event coming up that we didn’t list here? Please comment and let us know!

There are so many events taking place in Orlando this weekend that we’re actually going to do something a little unusual. We’re going to recommend that you stay home! Why subject yourself to terrible traffic, parking headaches, and large crowds when you can have some really productive planning time in the comfort of your own home?

What’s happening to cause the hubbub, you ask? Well, to begin, this is the NBA All-Star Game weekend, meaning the Amway Arena and all of downtown Orlando will be a hotbed of activity! Over on the east coast is the Daytona 500, which always draws huge crowds. Should you venture over to the west side of the city, the Walt Disney World Resort will be hosting a big marathon event that is completely sold out. And if that isn’t enough, President Obama will be in town for a fundraiser. Wow!

So we suggest taking this opportunity to save your time, sanity and gas money and get some planning projects done at home. We’ve got some suggestions for DIY projects that might interest you, and we welcome your comments with other ideas!

How about taking time to go through your old photos, to come up with pictures for a wedding slide show or decor? Check out our video below for some tips!

Here are some links to previous projects we’ve tackled that you might want to check out and consider using time this weekend to work on:

  • Remember your dearly departed loved ones on your special day with this Memorial Candle and Photo Display
  • Get organized with this Custom Wedding File Tote
  • Personalize your own favors with these Lucky Charm Favors
  • Speaking of lucky, try this Lucky Charm Garter
  • Skip the traditional, boring guest book and wow your family and friends with a fun and interactive Guest Book Scrapbook
  • Hopefully, you’ll have some fun with one of these projects this weekend and can avoid the madness on the roads in Orlando (or enjoy them no matter where you live)! One more suggestion for this weekend– have you checked out our wedding planning Pinterest page yet? Be sure to follow us there and on Facebook for lots of ideas and daily tips from our team of wedding planners!

    If you just can’t resist joining the crowds, though, here is one event that might interest you:

    2/24/12 – 2/26/12 – Solutions Bridal is hosting the Jim Hjelm Trunk Show this weekend, and now’s the time to make your reservation to attend! Known for their luxurious fabrics and exquisite embroidery, these gowns designed by the talented Francesca Pitera are well worth viewing. You can check out some styles in advance on the designer’s website and request more information on this event via the Solutions Bridal team at 407-647-8666 or tali@solutionsbridal.com.

    These are just a few highlights of Orlando events happening in the coming days. Please tune in next week for a new Feature Friday with other exciting and fun happenings in “The City Beautiful.”