Detail of the Day: Four tier wedding cake with moss green, chocolate brown, and ivory accents
When and Where: Fall 2010 ceremony at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and reception at BiCE Restaurant
What We Love: We love how this cake design combines a traditional tiered shape with both natural (moss and floral) and glamorous accent (sparkly monogram cake topper and intricate bead and scroll work)!

Photo Credit: Ginger Midgett Photography

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.”

“The most rewarding aspect I took away from this wedding was the gift of love. Debbie and Larry knew each other for years because in their first marriages they used to go out as couples and Debbie was very good friends with Larry’s wife. Both of their spouses passed away, and later the two of them became friends and fell in love. I love the idea that after a great sadness people can find love again. All of their friends and family were so happy for them. It was wonderful to see,” shares wedding coordinator, Faye.

“Everything went so smoothly that there weren’t any knee slapping funny stories, but when it was time to say the prayer over the wine, the kiddush, the Rabbi couldn’t open the bottle, so we had to chase around for a cork screw! There are always new details that pop up on you as a coordinator. Also, the bride said she got a little motion sick when they raised her in the chair for the horah. She couldn’t eat her wonderful dinner, so she took it home.

Debbie wore a beautiful lavender dress that had a gorgeous sequin pattern on it with a lot of tulle. She looked like a queen; it was perfect for a second wedding. It was gorgeous with her floral choices; Debbie was in love with her flowers. It was so wonderful to see her be so happy when she met with the florist!

The room that was transformed for the wedding was the community room at the synagogue. I was sure that there was no way we could dress it up for the vision that Debbie and Larry had. I have to tell you, though, that with up lighting, pretty linens, the most amazing flower arrangements, and a little bit of draping, the room was fantastic! And it didn’t take a ton of money to do it. As Larry said, ‘You can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!’” – Faye Novick, Just Marry! Orlando Wedding Planner and Jewish Event Planner

Our congratulations and thanks to Debbie and Larry for sharing their real wedding story! If you have any wedding planning or Jewish event planning needs that Faye can help you with, please contact us!

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.”

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.”

Thank you, Jason Angelini for the beautiful images!

The story of her marriage proposal will be one of Laura’s favorite stories of her lifetime! Mark is a planner by nature and likes to impress others. As any gentleman would do, he asked Laura’s parents’ permission and, after their blessing, his planning began. The two families decided that a perfect time would be after Mark’s twin sister’s wedding, which was in the summer of 2011.

Following the afternoon wedding, dinner plans were made with Mark’s family. They freshened up and took a casual walk on the beach before dinner. Mark secretly hired the photographers from the wedding to stick around for the surprise proposal. Half way to the ocean, Mark turned and looked Laura in the eyes, holding hands, and kneeled down onto one knee! He expressed his love for Laura and asked so sweetly for her hand in marriage. Laura said, “Yes!”

They took a few pictures with the photographers and then headed to dinner. Laura wanted to call her mother, but Mark politely asked her to do so after dinner. A little confused, Laura agreed to wait. As they walked into the restaurant for dinner, there was another big surprise! Everyone knew about the proposal and Laura’s family was there as well, including her Alabama grandparents. A fantastic surprise and a wonderful day to always remember!

“[The morning of my wedding was] slightly stressful but blissfully enjoyable! We planned a ‘breakfast with the Bride’ at another location, close by. It was threatening to rain all day long… not good for an outdoor ceremony,” Laura shares. The process of getting ready happened so quickly and before Laura knew it, everyone was ready to get the ceremony started.

What were your thoughts as you walked down the aisle?

“The anticipation of seeing Mark at the end of the aisle kept growing and nerves started to creep up.” As Laura and her father, John turned the corner to see the guests and groom time seemed to slow down tremendously! The next 15 minutes of time will always be remembered in slow motion to Laura, maybe as a sign from the Lord to remind the couple of the importance for the vows and love for one another.

After watching so many wedding shows during the planning process and coming up with so many ideas along the way; Laura and Mark’s families both helped to create personalized touches from the save a dates and invitations to each individualized place card settings and thank you note cards. Old photo frames were revitalized into a corkboard frames to house the escort cards for table assignments. Laura’s parents made the ceremony programs all on there own. Mark and Laura made wooden creates and filled them with homemade cookies (made by Laura’s grandmother), wine, and a personal ‘Thank You’ note as a welcome gift for their guests checking into the Portofino. We also put together a colorful candy buffet, carefully decorated by Susan and Jennifer of Just Marry!.

Based on your experience, would you share some advice for other brides and grooms who may still be planning their weddings?

“You can always make your dreams come true! Last minute changes will happen, but just go with your gut feelings. Trust the professionals; they really do know best! One of my least favorite phrases that everyone said, ‘Try to relax!’, really is true! Just try to relax and enjoy all that you and your fiancé have planned! It will always turn out to be amazing! If I ever quit my career, I will be applying to work for Susan at Just Marry! I absolutely love wedding planning and think Susan and her team did an outstandingly fabulous job with my high expectations and never ending questions!” – Laura Barbero, Bride

Our thanks to Laura and Mark for sharing their special day with our blog readers, and for allowing Just Marry! to assist in the planning and coordination of their wedding day! If you would like more information on Just Marry! weddings at the Portofino Bay Hotel, please contact us. We look forward to creating the meaningful and memorable wedding day of your dreams!

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.”

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.”

Special thanks to their talented photographer and family member, Caitlin Grenco!

In Andrea’s Words: “My UP inspiration came from how much we loved the movie. It is a beautiful love story because it is about unending love and sharing a life together. Franco and I like to think that we are building a life of important memories much like Carl and Ellie. We truly are on an adventure. I think my favorite UP element was color. I love bright colors and UP draws on that so much via the balloons. The whole event had lots of color—my dress, the children’s clothing, the balloons, favors, M&M’s, etc.”

“The thing I enjoyed most about doing a vow renewal was taking the time to reflect on the ten years Franco and I have shared. While I stood before him and Rev. Luther, I was overwhelmed with emotion—more so than at my actual wedding. It struck me how deeply we love each other and what a terrific life and family we are building together. I felt moved and very proud. I’ve started encouraging all my friends to have vow renewals so they have the chance to revisit those vows. I think this was the most memorable moment, too. Being surrounded by my children and my family while Franco and I vowed to keep at our marriage was wonderful.

Having Mickey and Minnie was such a treat. Franco insisted that we have them both. Neither our children nor my family knew about it so it was a complete surprise. Beatrice and Evelyn and Elliott were thrilled to have them! Elliott and Beatrice just couldn’t get close enough. I don’t think Mickey or Minnie have ever been hugged so much. The pictures we have of that day are such a treasure.”

Our thanks for sharing and congratulations on ten wonderful years (with many more to come) to Andrea and Franco! If you’d like more information on Just Marry! vow renewals (or weddings) at the WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort, simply contact us!

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.”