6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The food at the wedding was fantastic but the item that stole the entire show was the PRALINE BACON.  YES - I DID SAY PRALINE BACON.   And thanks to NOLACUISINE.com I have found a recipe that is the closest to what we had. 




Photo from NOLACUISINE.COM

Follow this LINK for the recipe.  The staff at the PORTOFINO cut the bacon into bite size pieces, which were perfect for appetizers.  Do you want something unusual for an appetizer?  Then this is it.

 



6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The PORTOFINO had just completed a down stairs patio and bar area that worked perfectly for the reception.  This are was also much more private for us all. 

We wanted a very simple dinner set up and we did not have a huge number of guests.   Pat pre set the tables for us since the reception and appetizers started immediately after the ceremony.  Notice that she thought a head and since we were outdoors she turned the plates and the water goblets over so they would not get dusty or sandy. 

The view of the water was grand.  Pat also did a fantastic job setting up the table for Nick and Shannon.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The PORTOFINO has a small beach area just perfect for a wedding.  Right on the water with some palm trees and a perfect spot for sunset photos.  I was so happy that the weather was perfect that afternoon.

The beach area was such a beautiful place for the ceremony.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO

Thanks to the Portofino the wedding ceremony and the reception was fantastic.  Pat - the banquet manager had the area decorated perfectly with all of the stuff I brought to the earlier that morning.  Pat had Shannon wait in the Tuscany room before the ceremony.  It was cool and quiet.  Just what she needed.  

 

The Tuscany room is up stairs and we decided that the best entrance was down the stairs with Shannon's dad.  Wow. 

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 6 - Sowers Glass

When we started to look for toasting flutes we addressed what should be engraved onthe glasses.  Once they decidede that it would be great to have the Army Seal on one side and their names and date on the other.  I found some companies that could engrave their names and date, but did not do the seal.  So once again started the hunt for the perfect  military toasting flutes.  I had finally found a company that could do this and then......  On a bright Monday morning I went to order them......  and the company was in restructuring and could not accept orders!!!  Oh no!  Lets start again.  So this time I searched for "wedding flute engraving in florida"  and I fould Sowers Glass Engraving.  I called the store and spoke with Sherrie Sowers another can do kind of gal, and heard "Absolutely, I can do that".  Sherrie emailed me with several Army Seal designs that she could put on the glasses and Shannon was able to choose the perfect one. 

THANKS so much to SOWERS GLASS ENGRAVING the toasting flutes were perfect.  Sherrie completed the flutes so fast and shipping was perfect.  We were al so pleased.  She also told me they can engrave almost anything, and you can see some of their items on their web site.  In fact you can see a picture of the exact flutes.   THANKS AGAIN.

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photograph may be used or reproduced without permission.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 5 - BAKED OCCASIONS

BAKED OCCASIONS owner Cindy Murphy made the most wonderful wedding cake.  When Cindy and I met in November, she had already planned on moving her store from Port Charlotte into her Sugar Island Cupcakes Store in Punta Gorda. Everything was being moved the last week of December.  HUMMM>>> the wedding is the last week of December.  Cindy is just a CAN DO type of gal, and said ABSOLUTELY when I told her Shannon and Nick's story.  Plus I think she thought I was a crazy woman trying to put everything together for a wedding in 6 weeks when the bride and groom were not even in the area. 

The cake layers were vanilla, chocolate, vanilla -  with frosting in between the layers (yep, no filling for Shannon - it's a texture thing).  And the cake was covered with the best fondant I have ever tasted.  It was amazing, and thin as could be on the cake.   It was the best tasting cake I have had in a long long time.

Cindy was able to add calla lilies to the cake to continue the theme.  The topper and stand were perfect for the cake. 

WOW- Thanks CINDY - You made an absolutely wonderful cake.  BAKED OCCASIONS is tops in my book.  Can't wait to see you at the farmers markets with your SUGAR ISLAND CUPCAKES. 

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photograph may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 4 - ABACO Flowers

So when I could not find flowers in or local area for a price that was in our budget, I began searching the internet.  I found loads of places online that specialized in wholesale flowers, but many of these required a minimum of 250 stems ordered, or just did not have the flowers we were looking for.  Many places both locally and on line were just too expensive and I would have only had the few flowers for the bouquet and no others for the cake or tables.  Then I found ABACO FLOWERS.

ABACO FLOWERS had just what we wanted, at a price we could afford and would be delivered on time.  The flowers were ordered in mid-December with a delivery date of December 28th.  And bright and early the morning of the 28th a FedEx truck stopped and delivered our flowers.  The flower heads were individually wrapped, and they were in perfect condition. We removed the wrapping, cut the stems, and place them in water, placing them in the living room where they would warm in the sunshine coming in the front window.  Within several hours you could see the flowers starting to open more.   ABACO  recommends that you receive the flowers 2 - 3 days before your party so the "sleeping" flowers will have time to "wake up".  We did not have that luxury since there were no deliveries on Monday, the day after Christmas. 

We took the 5 largest Calla Lilies, arranged them and then began wrapping from the bottom using a royal purple satin blanket binding.  I choose satin blanket binding because it is very sturdy, it also comes double thickness

How to - find the middle of the binding (be sure the fold is pointing to the top of the bouquet)  and place it under the flower stems while someone else holds the flowers for you.  Then begin by crossing the left over to the right of the flowers, then the right over to the left.  Bring each around to the front and keep wrapping the binding up toward the top of the flowers.  End by tying in a bow.  Easy  as could be and we made Shannon's Bouquet for less than $15, when any florist would have charged $50 - $85.

We also had enough flowers for the cake as well as arrangements for the tables and the bar. 

When Shannon flew out on January 1, her bouquet looked just as fresh as the day the flowers arrived.  THANK YOU ABACO FLOWERS. 

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 3 - A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON

Shannon had an idea of how she wanted to wear her hair for the wedding and weeks a go I made an  appointment for her with Debbie, owner of A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON in Punta Gorda (941-639-7773).  Her salon is located on Sullivan street in the big green house. 

Shannon printed out pictures of styles she liked to show Debbie, and that really helped.   Shannon had also purchased a piece of hair jewelry since she was not going to be wearing a veil. We took that along so Debbie could make sure to style Shannon's hair using it.  Debbie also was REALLY clear with Shannon.... "If you do not like what I am doing, let me know right away....Remember that I will not be offended....I want you to be happy with your hair."  Yea! Debbie and a great big THANKS.  You are great and Shannon's hair was beautiful.  Just perfect with THE DRESS. 

   Shannon and Debbie

Shannon's hair close up

And Shannon's hair at the end of the evening.  It stayed beautifully.

Debbie had a great hint for styling - wash your hair the night before, be sure to use some product that adds volume.  This makes it easier to style like this, and also increases the staying power.  Make sure your stylist has a great idea of what you want for your style.  And be sure to speak up, you do not want to have your hair styled, only to go home to take it down and do it yourself.  A great stylist will work with you to make your day beautiful.  Thanks Debbie.  

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 2

THE DRESS - Alfred Angelo Bridal in Fort Myers Florida certainly had the right sale at the right time for Shannon.  After only 1 1/2 hours the had found THE DRESS!  WOW.

It was the perfect dress for Shannon, not too fancy but with elegance.  Perfect for a beach wedding.  The dress has a beaded bodice with a modified bow that accentuates the left hip area.  

The back has buttons with crystal centers all the way to the end of the train.  The train was busseled for the reception, since that was also on the beach.

Shannon could not have asked for a more perfect dress.  Thanks to the staff at the store.  They made finding the dress a joy.  

The bride could not have been more beautiful.  

  Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 1

I must say that the wedding went off without a hitch.  And now begins the MANY MANY THANKS to everyone that we purchased goods or services from.  Shannon was an absolutely beautiful bride, and Nick looked very handsome in his Uniform.  Everthing we ordered was perfect and arrived in time.  I am so happy that the weather was clear and warm. Who would have thought that Florida would have the coldest weeks before and during christmas! 

Thanks Lester Kukn Photography - all rights reserved - may only be re- used  with permission

I will be posting all of the links for services and products we ordered so if you wish, you can also check them out for your event.  We really focused on quality and economy, and know we could have easily spent 10 times the amount on the wedding, just to get it done faster.  But, it probabally would not have been any better. 

If you can't find what you want for your event, ask, I may have found it in my wedding planning searching.  I was amazed at how hard it was to find some of the items we needed for the wedding, but I do know there sure is a wide range of prices fo rthe exact same thing.  Hope you have as much fun reading as much as I did planning.

6 weeks to a wedding - T-1 day

Oh this has been so very much fun.  All of Nick's family are here for another of the COLDEST weeks in warm, sunny Florida.  Everything is ready!!!!!!  But everyone is COLD.  We are hoping for warmer weather tomorrow afternoon (everyone went out yesterday and bought sweatshirts and sweaters). 

Today the flowers are to be delivered.  And we have only a few items on the agenda. 

• Finish the angels for the favors
• Take flowers to Cindy for the cake
• Pack up all of the items that will go to Pat at the Portifino on Wednesday morning
• Grocery shop for the few things that are needed for the dinner tonight
• Buy live shrimp so the boys can fish off the dock today.  Am hoping they catch something......

Tomorrow
Breakfast with all of the girls  @Hendricks Food Vault
Shannon gets her hair done at 10
All items over to Pat @Portifino at 11
A bunch of stuff in between and WEDDING at 2................................

This 6 weeks have gone by so quickly, I can hardly believe it.  I think we are all set!!! And we did not break the bank on any item.  I'll give you much more information after the wedding and get a final total of all the costs associated with the wedding.  You can be frugal and end up with a wonderful, joyous occasion and not continue to pay for it over the next 2 years.   Can't wait to post the pictures after.

6 weeks to a wedding -13

WOW, thanks to The Knot the extra stuff is here.  I cannot believe just how fast they were getting them to us.  Napkins - printed, Cake knife and server - engraved, Bubbles, Golf T's imprinted, and some cameras so others can have fun taking pictures during the wedding and reception.  5 days from order to delivery to my door!!!!!  Wow. 

I still need the vases to be delivered for the Unity Sand Ceremony.  Emailed the Company today, and am hoping on Monday they can tell me the delivery date.  I have no tracking information yet from them.  The order was placed December 8th with no engraving!!!

I pick up Shannon's dress on the 22nd.   Flowers to be delivered the 28th.  Almost there.......

6 weeks to a wedding -12

Exactly 2 weeks from today Shannon will be getting married.  I can't believe how everything has fallen into place. 

The announcements finally came and are out in the mail today.  We also added some blank cards, self addressed envelopes, with instructions requesting that people fill them out with words of encouragement,  a recipe for a long and happy marriage or any other words of wisdom that they would like to give the happy couple.  When these are returned they will become part of the wedding album.  Its a great way for those that will not be attending to be able to let them know how much they are cared for. 

I met with Cindy at Baked Occasions this morning and handed over the ribbon, the cake top and the base for the top.  I can't believe that she has committed to making Shannons' cake all during a major move from her Wedding Cake shop in Port Charlotte to her shop in Punta Gorda.  (And she will be totally moved by the end of the year!!)  I have to remember to take her about a dozen of the calla lilies on the 28th so she can complete the cake.  Cindy told me this morning that she did a photo shoot for Harbor Style Magazine yesterday.  You should see the amazing cup cakes she had on display that were used in the shoot.  Thanks so much, and Congratulations Cindy.  She will be in their Feb. issue.

The Sand is here for the Unity Sand Ceremony, still waiting on the incidental stuff.  As long as it is here by the 28th I will be happy.

Bought the purple tulle today.  6 yards for around the cake and table, and another 20 for decorating the rest of the area. 

I started making the favors for everyone.  Mom always made these cute little angels that she gave away to everyone.  So that's what we are making.  She would have loved being here for Shannons' wedding and being a part of it!!!  So she definitely will be in spirit.  Once I have some completed I'll post pictures.

6 weeks to a wedding - 5

CAKE TOPPER - Thanks to The Jane Williams Collections for the fantastic cake topper.  We personalized the topper with Bride in White and medium brown hair with purple flowers and Groom in Army Greens with Sgt. rank.  This will be so very special on the cake. 

Now I'm looking for crystal champagne flutes that can be engraved with the Army Logo.  Found 1 company, but as of Monday they are in restructuring and not taking orders.