Ok, so we’re headed out of summer and into fall, but here in Florida we tend to see pops of bright colors almost year round! Planning a spring or summer 2014 wedding? A mint, coral and yellow color pallet is a great color scheme for a cheerful {indoor OR outdoor} wedding.

Photo by Bow Tie Bliss

Photo by Kendra Scott

Photo by Glendalough Manor Bride

Photo by Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Save the Date by Kayla Ross Photo and Design

Save the Date by Kayla Ross Photo and Design

Have you ever looked down at your left hand and wondered, “Why does a wedding ring go on our left ring finger”? Prior to our understanding of how the circulatory system worked, people believed that a vein flowed straight from the third finger on the left hand to the heart. The vein was then called vena amoris, Latin for “vein of love”. It was only fitting that the trend emerged to wear wedding rings on that left hand “ring finger” as a symbol of a couple’s eternal love for one another. While medical science has developed, I’m glad that this tradition hasn’t.

A bride puts a lot of thought into the many details that make her wedding day special and stand out from all the rest. One of the most thought provoking details is the Father/Daughter Dance and the song the bride will choose to represent the special bond between her and her father. Our DJ Rocks gave us 5 of the most requested Father/Daughter songs . . .

1. “Butterfly Kisses”- Bob Carlisle
2. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”- Elton John
3. “What A Wonderful World”- Louis Armstrong
4. “You Raise Me Up”- Josh Groban
5. “My Wish”- Rascal Flatts

Here are a few more of our current favorites for your father/daughter dance:

• “When the Stars Go Blue” - Tim McGraw
• “Kind and Generous” - Natalie Merchant
• “Little Miss Magic” - Jimmy Buffet
• “I Loved Her First” - Heartland — MAJOR tearjerker
• “Daddy’s Little Girl” - Michael Buble

Photo by Cheslea Nicole Photography

1. Take 10 minutes to be alone as a couple. You’re finally married! Take a quick walk away from your wedding guests before you join them for the reception. Let your photographer trail behind if you’d like for some extra candid pictures.

2. Eat! Enjoy the delicious foods you have spent so much time deciding on. If you’ll be taking pictures during cocktail hour, ask the wait staff to bring you a plate of the hors d’oeuvres so you can take a few bites before heading into the reception.

3. Take photos while your hair and makeup are still perfect. Remember to get a quick picture with just your mom/dad/grandma…right after the ceremony may be the only chance to get that shot before the hustle and bustle of the reception begins.

4. Switch shoes so you can dance the night away.

5. If you’ve got a signature cocktail served at the wedding, order one!

Sara and Nick, aka “Team Snick”, tied the knot on February 16th 2013 at the beautiful Cypress Grove Estate House in Orlando. Sara brought a napkin (honestly, a napkin) in the Lenox Chirp pattern to our first brainstorming meeting and said she loved the color combination. I carried the same napkin to our initial design meeting with Tommy Murphy of Greenery Productions and the inspiration grew from there. From the bird salt and pepper shakers, birds nest aisle makers and inviting bird place cards perched on the wine glasses of each guest, the theme was displayed throughout the ceremony and reception. Although the weather was in the low 50’s the night of Sara and Nick’s wedding, the warmth from friends and family was enough to spark a night of celebration. Kelly Canova Photography is to thank for the photos below. Enjoy!

To see even more details on this wedding, visit Kelly Canova’s site

Every bride wants to look like a million bucks on their wedding day. In fact MANY of our clients mention wanting to be in great shape for their wedding (and that beach honeymoon!). So what should you be doing in these last few weeks or months to get wedding-gown ready? We’re all about being the healthiest YOU you can be and we encourage brides to try something new to shake things up, like a CrossFit or boot camp class, train for your first race during the engagement, Bar Method classes, hot yoga… the list goes on and on! What we think is important is that you truly enjoy your engagement and make it memorable by planning well for your big day but also indulging now and then as you celebrate with your family and friends. With a little research, we’ve put together a 10 step wedding diet that will no doubt leave you feeling healthier, slimmer, craving less sugar and carbs, and with enough energy to dance the night away at that reception you are looking forward to!

1. Eat every 3-4 hours. Choose a lean protein, a healthy starch, and a vegetable.
2. Eat foods that are low in sodium and cut as much sugar as possible. Keep a food journal if necessary to track what you’re really eating.
3. Try to stay away from flours, even if it’s whole wheat. Baked goods, bread and pasta won’t keep you full and can leave you bloated and craving more.
4. Keep snacks like almonds, popcorn and clementines on hand. Don’t let yourself get to the point that you’re starving, when it’s easy to overeat.
5. Eat small meals and pay attention to serving sizes.
6. Eat foods rich in fiber.
7. Take a couple days a week to bulk cook. Make lots of chicken, fish, tuna, turkey, brown rice, and vegetables and pack your own lunch for work!
8. Drink half of your body weight in pounds in ounces. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds you want to drink 60 ounces of water daily.
9. Eat REAL FOOD. The less processed and packaged, the better.
10. Do some type of cardio at least 3-4 times a week and vary your exercises so your body doesn’t get bored.

See more tips and menu ideas from Michelle Marie Fit

Happy Friday! Here are five of our favorite ways to create a unique and stunning aisle for your wedding ceremony.

Flower petal design

Classic candles and petals lining the walkway

Tree stumps and floral lining the walkway for a rustic or Bohemian wedding

Lace or ribbon swagged from chair to chair

Hand written or painted vows or poetry on an original aisle runner

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the colors red and pink? I think of Valentines Day, the day we all associate with love and romance. Red is an emotionally intense color that represents joy, passion sensitivity, and love. Pink signifies romance, love and friendship. Happy Valentines Day! Go spend it with the person/people you love the most!