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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.”

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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.”

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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:

3/1-3/11/12 – The 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.

3/2-3/10/12 – Solutions 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.”

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Wedding Planning Pinterest Boards

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

We’re so excited to share that we’ve started our own wedding planning Pinterest boards, adding original content from our real weddings and re-pinning cool ideas and wedding inspiration just for you! Click on the photo below and ‘follow’ us on Pinterest for the latest wedding ideas.

Check out our wedding planning inspiration boards including:

  • Wedding Flowers
  • Wedding DIY Ideas
  • Wedding Hair and Makeup
  • Wedding Cake and Dessert Ideas
  • Destination Wedding Ideas
  • Wedding Planning Tools

    • We are also featuring photos on each of our all-inclusive wedding destinations in Orlando (more hotels coming soon):

  • Portofino Bay Hotel Weddings
  • Royal Pacific Resort Weddings
  • Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Weddings
  • WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort
  • Bohemian Hotel Celebration Weddings
  • Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Weddings

    • We’re adding new photos daily and new boards all the time, so make sure you follow the boards you like –or all of our boards– and gather inspiration for your own wedding! If you’d like more information on our wedding planning services or have questions about any of the hotels featured, be sure to contact us today!

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    Posted in Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog, Wedding Ideas | No Comments »

    Just Marry! at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll

    Monday, February 27th, 2012

    It was a busy day at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll where Brides-and-Grooms-to-be strolled Park Avenue in hopes of finding some sensational wedding vendors! One of our Just Marry! brides, Katie, stopped by with her family and shared with Jennifer and Diana some of the great items they had already seen!

    We made sure they grabbed a picture of this design by Lee Forrest, next to whom we had the great pleasure of setting up our booth! 2ucollection added their special touch to this table with their butterfly name tags that fit delicately on any type of beverage glass. What a great idea!

    Brides who visited the Just Marry! booth were able to check out some of the DIY projects that we had set up such as a Lucky Charm Garter and DIY Wine Charm Favors, Custom Menu Cards, and Ribbon Rehearsal Bouquets. We will be featuring the demostrations we did over the next few weeks on our blog. Below you can check out our first how-to on a DIY Rehearsal Bouquet!

    Ready to class up the old paper plate rehearsal bouquet? We will show you a step-by-step process of creating a rehearsal bouquet that will last a lifetime! Supplies needed:

  • Styrofoam Cone
  • Straight Pins
  • Wood Picks
  • Bridal Shower Ribbons

    • 1. Pick up a styrofoam cone at your local craft store. Shave down the cone to a even shape which will be easier to grasp for the bride-to-be. You can shave down the sides with a peeler which will give smoother lines. (Tip: Put a wooden skewer through the middle for added support throughout the entire cone)

    2. Get one of the thicker ribbons from the bunch and wrap the base of the cone from the bottom to the top. Hot glue will leave ugly lines, so use straight pins lengh-wise down the cone for placement.

    3. There are multiple ways to wrap the ribbon to make them look like floral buds. Here is one example of doing a tightly secured bud. Wrap multiple layers around two fingers and pull the long end through the top and secure tightly. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it right, some fabric is tricky and sometimes won’t work. In that case, give the ribbon some loops and staple the bottoms together.

    4. Once you have your top made, take one of the wooden picks and secure the wire around the base of the bud. You can now place them in the cone! Make sure you give them all a good push into the Styrofoam so they don’t pop out!

    5. Get creative as possible when doing this project! Mix up colors, make-up your own flower ties, and most of all have fun!

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    Posted in Just Marry! Team, Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog, Wedding Ideas | No Comments »

    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.”

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    Posted in Feature Friday, Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog, Videos, Wedding Ideas | No Comments »

    Feature Friday: Winter Park Bridal Stroll, Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show, Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon Weekend

    Friday, February 17th, 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 already heading into the second half of February, and there are so many Orlando events taking place in the coming weeks that it’s hard to narrow it down! Nevertheless, we managed to pick a few events that we think will give you great variety while helping you on your wedding planning journey:

    2/19/12 – This Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm is the Winter Park Bridal Stroll off the ever-popular Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. The Just Marry! Team is excited to be a part of this amazing event! While you’re there partaking of the event’s offerings, be sure to join Just Marry! wedding planners Jennifer Haskell and Diana Stylianou for an exclusive DIY demonstration from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Park Plaza Gardens (319 Park Avenue South). For more information, see our post with all the details!

    *Just Marry! Tip: Parking can sometimes be tough to find in this part of town, so consider arriving early and having breakfast at one of the incredible restaurants in the area before the event begins. Here are a few listings from Urban Spoon.

    2/17/12 – 2/19/12 – If you’re a bride shopping for a gown, be sure to check out the Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at The Collection this weekend. You’ll find a variety of designs at this event that you might otherwise never see! To make an appointment with one of The Collection’s talented bridal stylists, call 407-740-6003 or visit their website.

    *Just Marry! Tip: If you plan to try on some gowns during your visit, wear undergarments similar to those you would wear under the gown on your wedding day (such as a strapless bra) so that you can see the full effect while in front of those mirrors!

    2/24/12 – 2/26/12 – For a fun event that combines the fairytale feeling invoked by weddings with family fitness, consider participating in the Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon Weekend. Taking place at Walt Disney World® here in Orlando, this princess-inspired event is intended to celebrate women who prove that anything is possible. The event is nearly booked full, so it you’re interested, you’ll want to register fast!

    *Just Marry! Tip: Many brides engage in a fitness regimen leading up to their weddings. Consider participating in events like this that combine fun with fitness to help you reach your goals!

    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.”

    Posted in Feature Friday, Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog | No Comments »

    Come see us at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll

    Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

    The Just Marry! Team will be at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll this Sunday– we’ll set up at the Park Plaza Gardens along with fellow vendors such as Petals by Design, Voila Cinematic, Paper Couture, and Liga Photography. The restaurant is located at 319 Park Avenue South, Winter Park, Florida. Be sure to ask one of their representatives about the location for hosting your reception or rehearsal dinner!

    Jennifer and Diana from Just Marry! will be there showing DIY demonstrations at 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Be sure to come and visit them to see what beautiful creations they whip up!

    You’ll also have a chance to take our bridal planning personality quiz to find your wedding planning strengths and identify areas where you need help– it’s a handy tool, just like our wedding planning color wheel and wedding planning workbook, which will be for sale at the bridal stroll!

    What: Winter Park Bridal Stroll
    When: Sunday, February 19th 2012 11:00-3:00 p.m.
    Locations: The Collection, Park Plaza Gardens, 310 Park South, Woman’s Club of Winter Park, John Craig, Winter Park Farmers Market, Pottery Barn, Bay Hill Jewelers, Cocina 214, Magic Moment, and Tuni’s.
    Attendees: Charge is $10 per person or $!5 per couple in advance or $15 per person or $25 per couple that day of. Registration can be found on the Winter Park Stroll Facebook Page or the Winter Park Bridal Stroll Website.

    Don’t forget, if you entered for your chance to win a $10,000 engagement ring from Bay Hill Jewelers, they’ll be announcing the winner at the Bridal Stroll!

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    Posted in Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog, Wedding Ideas | 1 Comment »

    Feature Friday: PWG Bridal Show, Valentine’s Dinner Ideas, and ArtsFest Florida

    Friday, February 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!

    There are a number of exciting and romantic events coming up as we usher in another Valentine’s week. From bridal shows to artistic showcases, you’re sure to find something incredible to do around town! Here are just a few options for you:

    2/12/12 – We mentioned the Perfect Wedding Guide Winter 2012 Bridal Show at The Peabody Orlando a couple of weeks ago, but with it taking place this Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., it’s definitely worth another mention! Join PWG’s National Wedding Expert Susan Southerland and the Just Marry! Team at Central Florida’s most popular bridal show. With the chance to meet a host of Orlando’s other top wedding professionals, attend an amazing fashion show, and maximize on great giveaways, this is an event you can’t afford to miss! Just a reminder, tickets are ‘Buy One for $10, Get One Free’ if you order now, or $10 each at the door.

    *Just Marry! Tip: Identifying vendors you want to meet ahead of time will help provide some focus to your bridal show experience. If you do some research ahead of time and know vendors that interest you, you can contract with them at the show and take advantage of any specials they’re offering bridal show guests!

    2/14/12 – Come on, folks…it’s Valentine’s Day this Tuesday! That means it’s time to celebrate the love you have for those special people in your life. You’ll want to make your Valentine’s Day plans now so that you can avoid the rush next week. Many Orlando restaurants are offering Valentine’s Day specials, and you can easily find them through a site like www.opentable.com.

    *Just Marry! Tip: One of the venues offering a Valentine’s Day promotion is the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate Resort, a location where we love to plan and coordinate weddings– like this real wedding where the bride entered by helicopter! This gorgeous resort offers an array of exceptional food options and amenities, so why not combine a Valentine’s excursion with a possible wedding venue “try-out?” Drop by and experience what the resort has to offer and decide for yourself if this is the perfect wedding venue for you!

    2/1/12 – 2/29/12 – The month of February brings ArtsFest Florida to the Orlando area. For the entire month, a variety of venues across four metro counties celebrate the arts with hundreds of free events. Whether you’re getting married this month and want something fun to do with your guests, or you just want some time away from wedding planning to exercise your creativity, you should definitely check out a few of the wonderful events happening this month! Visit www.ArtsFestFL.com or click on this link for an interactive schedule of events for more information.

    *Just Marry! Tip: Art events can provide great inspiration for wedding décor and favor ideas. Enjoy plays, ballets or musicals? Get playbills while you’re at such events and frame them as table names!

    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.”

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    Posted in Feature Friday, Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog | No Comments »

    Reader Question: Wedding Gown Shopping

    Monday, February 6th, 2012

    What do you do when “the one” hasn’t found you yet– and by that we mean your wedding gown! We received a question from a fan on the Just Marry! Facebook page, so we’re sharing our advice.

    “Any advice for brides trying on wedding dresses that still have no clue what they want after 75+ dresses? feel like I have no clue what my style is or what I like and don’t like. Don’t have any picture in my head of what I want to look like on that day. I’ve crossed things off the list, and then had to go back and revisit those “no’s” once I gave in and tried something on that has one of those elements and end up liking it. I thought securing a venue would help, and it hasn’t. I look through every magazine and just think Ehh! Also, I’m small, so every dress I put on is much too large and the proportions are off. Just feel like nothing is “the one”. Help?!”

  • Give yourself a break from looking at pictures– they won’t give you an accurate idea of what you should expect your dress to look like, especially if you (like 99% of all women) don’t share the same height and proportions as professional models.
  • Go in with an open mind and find a bridal consultant who is familiar with body types and the styles that are most flattering to you– a good bridal consultant will take things into consideration like your personal style, figure, the type of venue you’ve chosen and budget.
  • Unless you’re the sample size, your dress is not going to look right without some kind of alteration. If you find that you like a design, but would need to massively alter it to fit correctly, consider the possibility of working with a seamstress to create a custom gown for you. By the time you pay for certain dresses and make all the necessary alterations, it may add up to the same cost as having a completely custom gown made.

  • Call local boutiques to find out if they offer gowns specifically for petite brides– you can do the same if you’re tall or plus sized, it’ll save you time and frustration from the start! You can also go to the dress department of a regular department store and try on petite dresses (regardless of color) and make notes about which styles look best on you– then seek out wedding gowns in the same shape and detailing.
  • Maybe a certain wedding gown won’t win you over until you’ve dressed it up with accessories– if you’re on the fence about a gown, ask to try it with a veil or bejeweled belt. It may add just the right “wow” factor you’re waiting for!
  • If you find you are having a hard time deciding on a gown, we recommend taking one trusted person with you (mother, sister, maid of honor, etc) who will listen to your concerns and offer their input. More than one person often makes things more confusing or puts you in the middle when opinions differ.

    • We have created a bridal quiz you can take, which will tell you your wedding planning personality. This will help you understand how you approach wedding planning, and gown shopping, and might give you some direction as to what kind of help to seek from your bridal gown consultant and the rest of your wedding vendors!

    We hope that brides out there who are challenged by their wedding dress shopping process have found a helpful tip or two! If you have questions for our team, let us know– we love hearing from and helping our brides on Facebook, Twitter, and via email!

    Posted in Orlando Wedding Planner | Just Between Us Wedding Blog | 1 Comment »

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