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

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:42:55 +0000

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.”

Come see us at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:49:12 +0000

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!

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

admin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:07 +0000

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.”

Reader Question: Wedding Gown Shopping

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:29:54 +0000

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!

Feature Friday: Trunk Show, Gift Registry, and Mardi Gras

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:23:28 +0000

Now that January has come and gone (where did it go??), we’re headed into the month of Valentine’s Day and, thus, plenty of fun and romantic events to share with you. Here are just a few great events for you to check out this weekend and in the near future:

2/4/12-2/5/12 – If you’re looking for gown and accessory ideas, be sure to check out the Paris Accessories Trunk Show with Debra Moreland at Solutions Bridal this weekend! There will be a designer appearance and plenty of opportunities to chat with expert bridal wardrobe consultants. This trunk show is by appointment only, so you’ll want to reach out to the Solutions team at 407-647-8633 or tali@solutionsbridal.com.

*Just Marry! Tip: Trunk shows can be a chance to meet with the designer of some of your favorite gowns and accessories. Because trunk shows are showcases for one particular designer, there will also be items in the store that otherwise wouldn’t be there…so you can pick up that hard-to-get item just by taking the time to stop by!

2/5/12 – Still working on your gift registry? Haven’t started on one yet? Then head on over to the Crate and Barrel Wedding Party at The Mall at Millennia this Sunday! Crate and Barrel registry experts will be on-hand to assist couples, and there will be food and drinks for all. Couples can register to attend by calling 407-226-8826 or visiting the event website.

*Just Marry! Tip: When you register for gifts, be sure you select items at a range of price points to ensure that guests with any budget can find something you’ll love!

2/11/12-4/14/12 – February’s here, and with it arrives a very popular event, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando! Couples planning Orlando weddings between February and April can arrange a special outing with their guests and check out amazing concerts by such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Hot Chelle Rae, Plain White T’s and B.o.B. Check out the link above for the calendar of events and tickets!

*Just Marry! Tip: If you’re having an intimate wedding and don’t want to do a traditional reception, consider one of our all-inclusive wedding ceremonies at Universal Orlando Resort (including the beautiful Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort) and then adjourning with your guests to the theme park to enjoy the festivities. With Mardi Gras concerts and great clubs at City Walk, you and your guests will definitely have an amazing celebration!

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: Art & Wine Walk, Upcoming Bridal Shows

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:44:15 +0000

This weekend’s weather promises to be spectacular here in Central Florida, so we thought we’d feature a couple of events taking place on the coast to get you all out there to enjoy it! Also, Valentine’s Day—a common day for engagements—is fast approaching, so we wanted to be sure to mention a huge bridal event occurring right around that date. Don’t miss out on these hot happenings:

1/28/12 – This Saturday is the monthly Art and Wine Walk on Flager Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Come out and browse unique wares from local vendors from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and make a day of it! Couples can pick up some creative décor and gift items and support local merchants at the same time. Admission is free unless you’d like to participate in the wine tasting ($20/person).

*Just Marry! Tip: If you’re considering a beach ceremony or even a beach theme, this is an event you won’t want to miss! From hand-painted starfish and sand dollars, to impressive, original artwork, you’ll definitely find the right touch for your wedding here.

1/29/12 – If you’ll be on the east coast in the Melbourne area this Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., you’ll want to check out “All Dressed in White: A Sophisticated Bridal Showcase.” The event features over 75 wedding professionals and culminates in a fashion show where brides can get their gown inspiration. Tickets are $7 in advance and $9 at the door.

*Just Marry! Tip: Because this is a VIP/boutique style bridal show, there may be a cap on the number of attendees they’ll allow. If this event strikes your fancy, you might want to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure a spot!

2/12/12 – Now’s the time to register for Central Florida’s largest and most popular bridal show of the year…the Perfect Wedding Guide Winter 2012 Bridal Show at The Peabody Orlando! Come out and meet the Just Marry! Team as we join other respected Orlando wedding professionals in offering couples an amazing bridal show experience. Don’t miss the highly-praised fashion show and great giveaways, either! Tickets are ‘Buy One at $10, Get One Free’ if you order now, or $10 each at the door.

Check out the fun from their September 2010 show (video credit, Cinematique Films):

*Just Marry! Tip: Come to the show prepared with plenty of pre-printed address labels, business cards or other stationery items listing your name, phone number, e-mail address, mailing address, and wedding date so that you can hand it out to vendors at the show. This will save you lots of time and will make sure vendors can read your contact information after the event when they contact you regarding any specials they’re offering!

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.”

Just Marry! Holiday Luncheon at CRAVE Orlando

Erin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:20:57 +0000

The Just Marry! team gathered together last month to celebrate the holiday season at one of our favorite local restaurants, CRAVE. It was all about good conversation, great food, and grand company! Throughout the year, we’re in constant contact with one another via phone and email, working as a team to plan and coordinate weddings, but we rarely have the opportunity to come together as a group and just unwind. We like to have a team get-together at least twice a year, and hadn’t all been together since our summer BBQ!

Being the professional event planners that we are, we opted for some decorative touches and trimmings for our gathering! Jennifer Haskell was kind enough to bring a selection of her personal holiday decor, and with the addition of a mountain of gifts, we had quite the festive holiday atmosphere going on in our private dining room! Jennifer also made each of us an ornament with our name on it– thanks Jen, you crafty diva!

“Spending time at CRAVE with the team was a perfect way to celebrate the holidays after a busy 2011! The food was delicious and the company was fantastic!” – Diana Stylianou

Below, husband and wife team Susan (President and founder of Just Marry!) and Scott (Vice President of Operations at our sister company, Just Right Destination Management) open their gifts from the group. No, that little purple onesie is not for Scott– he and Susan are expecting a little future “employee”, I mean bundle of joy, in May! Congratulations, guys!

Many laughs were shared as the team exchanged White Elephant gifts. I believe we named Jennifer Holt’s ‘Cinderella Paint Set’ the best present!

“I had a blast at the holiday luncheon. It was wonderful to get to spend some quality time with the Just Marry! family!” – Rebecca Wisniewski

We thank Scott and Susan for hosting this fun gathering, and our team for taking time out of their busy schedules to get together! Hope to see them more often this year, but as 2012 has fired us out of a cannon already, it looks like our next group event will be the Summer 2012 BBQ!

Many thanks to Amy Waldman at CRAVE for all her help in hosting the Just Marry! and Just Right holiday luncheon. Their venue is perfect for a company event, family gathering, or even a vibrant and modern wedding reception!

Wedding Gown Question: What Is A Designer Trunk Show?

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:31:10 +0000

On our Feature Friday blog post, we listed a local bridal ‘trunk show‘ for brides to check out and received a question from a Just Marry! Facebook fan about what exactly brides-to-be can expect from a trunk show. That’s a great question, so we decided to share our tips and information on today’s blog! Bridal gown trunk shows are more than just fun, they have many great perks if you are ready to make purchases.

We spoke with Roya Mahootchi, Store Manager with The Collection on Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. Here is what she said you will find at one of her shop’s trunk shows:

Greater selection of gowns. The designer being featured at the trunk show sends lots of different designs to the salon, so you have many more options to try on. Some of the gown designs are straight off of the runway and aren’t found in stores yet. You could be the first to wear a particular design!

Purchasing incentives. Often the designer will give special pricing or perks if you buy at the trunk show. The perks can range from a percentage off to gifts, veils and belt.

Sometimes the designers attend the show. If the designer herself isn’t there, she may send a rep from the company. This gives you the opportunity to make changes to the gown based on your body type or preferences with the person who knows the gowns best. Who better to make a recommendation on how to make a gown perfect for you than the person who created it?

If you plan on attending a trunk show, here are a couple of tips.

Make an appointment. This will ensure that you get quality time with the designer or representative and that you will have an available dressing room waiting for you.

Don’t bring too many people. Too many opinions will make choosing a gown very difficult. Bring your mom and a friend. Two extra opinions are plenty!

The Collection has a few trunk shows coming up. Perhaps one will be perfect for you!

Maria Elena Trunk Show: Headpieces, Accessories & Jewelry, January 25-29th
Vera Wang: Gowns, January 27-28th
Daymor, VM Collection, and Damianou: Mother of the Bride dresses, First week of February

If you have a question for the Just Marry! Wedding Planning team, shout it out here on the wedding blog, Facebook, or Twitter! We love hearing from and helping out our fans and followers!

Feature Friday: Music for Lovers, Antiques Extravaganza, and The Anne Barge Trunk Show at Solutions Bridal

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:34:03 +0000

This weekend is a tad quiet on the wedding planning events front, but Orlando and the surrounding areas are never without something for engaged couples to enjoy. We’ve scoured the social calendars and come up with these diverse, entertaining and informative events for you to consider:

1/20/12 – 1/21/12 – Couples can get bogged down in the details of planning their weddings and forget to enjoy their time together leading up to the big day. Reconnect with your soon-to-be-spouse at the Music for Lovers event performed by the Florida Orchestra at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets start at $15.00. If you can’t catch tonight’s performance, the orchestra will be at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts in St. Pete on Saturday.

*Just Marry! Tip: Since it’s a 90-minute to two-hour drive from Orlando, make it a romantic getaway weekend by booking a room at a local bed and breakfast!

1/20/12 – 1/22/12 – Calling all brides seeking a vintage feel for their weddings: the Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza in Mount Dora begins at 8:00 a.m. this morning and runs all weekend. The one-hour drive from Orlando is well worth it, as you’ll discover treasures ranging from rustic to heirloom. Whether you’re seeking unique gifts for your wedding guests or that special touch for your wedding décor, this is an event to check out!

*Just Marry! Tip: To have the best selection, try to get to the event on Friday. The largest crowd will be there on Saturday, and you’ll likely score more deals on Sunday just before the event ends. We’ve got more helpful tips on our blog post related to creative flea market wedding finds.

1/27/12 – 1/29/12 – The Anne Barge Trunk Show takes place next weekend at Solutions Bridal near the Millennia Mall. Still looking for that dream wedding gown? This is the event for you! Let the knowledgeable Solutions team help you find the perfect fit for your special day. This event is by appointment only, so contact them ahead of time at 407-647-8666 or tali@solutionsbridal.com.

*Just Marry! Tip: Before you start shopping for your gown, be sure you take into account the venue, time of year and wedding location. An autumn outdoor ceremony in a northern state might prove too cold for a strapless gown, for example.

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: Orlando Home Show, Bridal Show, Sip & Scan

Erin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:11:14 +0000

Welcome to the first Just Marry! Friday Feature blog. With the holidays behind us, one might think that most of the big events have run their course for the winter. We’re happy to report that’s far from the case! Orlando may not be nicknamed “The City that Never Sleeps,” but we’ve got plenty of events to keep you busy in the near future. Here are just a few:

Image Source: www.orangecountyhomeshow.com

1/13/12 – 1/15/12 – The Spring 2012 Orlando Home & Garden Show takes place this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center (North Hall B). Get inspired by many fresh and cutting-edge décor ideas that you can incorporate in your wedding and at home. Complete with an appearance by ABC’s and HGTV’s R. Brandon Johnson, you’re sure to be highly entertained by this huge event! Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for seniors. Kids 16 and under are FREE!

Just Marry! Tip: look for centerpiece or other floral/décor ideas. You can even combine favors with your décor if you opt for arrangements that guests can transport home!

Image source: floridaweddingexpo.com

1/15/12 – The 2012 Bridal Show Spectacular (the first bridal show of the year in Orlando) will be held on Sunday, January 15th at the Rosen Plaza Hotel from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come out and chat with 120 exhibitors, “ooo” and “aah” by the runway as models show off the latest in wedding fashion, and enter to win tons of great prizes. Tickets are $10 at the door or (even better!) $7.50 in advance.

Just Marry! Tip: Don’t fall victim to high-pressure sales tactics. Unless you’re very comfortable with a vendor, don’t get pressured into signing a contract or putting down a deposit because you’re told you’ll lose out on special pricing… most reputable vendors will honor any bridal show discounts even after you’ve had a reasonable amount of time to consider it.

Image Source: The Knot (click on photo to follow link)

1/21/12 – Macy’s at the Mall of Millennia is hosting one of their popular Sip & Scan events on Saturday, January 21st between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. This is a free, fun, and interactive way to create your dream registry. Allow Macy’s registry experts to assist you as you enjoy mocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and music. What better way to register for gifts? To RSVP, reach out to Deborah.Bouchelle@macys.com, 407-264-2277.

Just Marry! Tip: Bring your fiancé along and let him man the selection gun…unless you can’t bear to let it go!

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.”