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 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 - The day after and THE DRESS

We could not have asked for better weather yesterday.  The skies were clear and the sun was warm.  The wedding was perfect.  And I can finally show you THE DRESS.  Thank you Alfred Angelo Fort Myers Florida for having the PERFECT dress for Shannon.  And by the way - Betty White - thanks so much for surprising me and flying Shannon down to Florida and joining us for the very successful  hunt for THE DRESS. 

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 week to a wedding 13 - 1 week to go

I continue to say this and really mean that I cannot believe that everything is ready for a wedding that will take place Dec 29th that I learned about 5 weeks ago. 

Yesterday I remembered I had not bought the ribbon for the bouquet,  so on to the search.  And I found what will work perfectly.  Royal purple satin blanket binding ($3).  It is much heavier than regular satin ribbon.  There will be enough to wrap the bouquet securely and then have some streamers.

The vases for the sand ceremony came yesterday also. 
I am continuing to work on the angels that are the favors for everyone.  This should be done in the next couple of days. 

I'll contact everyone today to make sure everything is in place, and neither they or I have any questions.  The very final detail will be the weather forecast for that day.  So far 72 for the afternoon.  That would be perfect for an outdoor wedding.   

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 - 11 - 21 days and counting down

Wow, putting the finishing touches on the wedding plans.  Meeting with Cindy @ Baked Occasions set up for Monday to finalize the cake and hand over the cake topper and stand and the ribbon.  Spoke with Pat @ Portofino trying to figure out what we do with an outdoor wedding if it is as cold as it has been for the last couple of days here.  Shannon then also reminded me that they all live in IOWA where it was -6 this morning - without the wind chill!  I guess I really do not have to worry too much about 75 degree weather. 

Flowers - After speaking with loads of florists here in the area including several wholesalers we have settled on Abaco Flowers.  They are based out of Miami.  The flowers are shipped from the fields to my door.  They recommend getting the flowers 2 - 3 days in advance but because the wedding is the 29th and Christmas is just before, the flowers are set for a 12/28 delivery.  Price?  Local florists want $10 per stem for Calla lilies.  At Abaco I ordered a quarter box, which is 50 stems for $99 and that includes shipping. 

Unity Sand Ceremony - Shannon and Nick want to have a Unity Sand ceremony.  It's alot like the unity candle, but using sand and layering into one container.  Thanks to Specialty Stores Inc, (which happens to be based out of Bellevue, Washington just a few minutes up the freeway form our old home in Maple Valley) I found the exact vases and stand that Shannon wanted.  Thanks also to Sandsational Sparkle for the sand - they were the only ones that had both of the colors we needed, Royal purple and moss green.

Misc stuff - Thanks to The Knot I was able to do some one-stop-shopping for all of the other stuff.  Bubbles, personalized napkins, personalized cake knife and server, personalized golf tee's, and some wedding cameras for everyone to take other pics too.  A great deal and a 20% off coupon too. 

THE DRESS????????????  Is still n the not found list. 

Announcements - Shannon had to call yesterday to see what was going on.  Appears that things were not as described on the web site as to processing and shipping commitments - along with poor communication.  But at least they said they would get them out ASAP and send them express at no extra charge.  Was hoping to have them for this weekend to get them addressed.  Looks like it will be a next week item. 

All in all, I am amazed at how all of this is coming together.  21 days and counting>>>>>>>>

6 weeks to a wedding - 9

Photographer - found, contract to be signed ASAP. 

Thank you Photography by Lester Kuhn.   I am so very happy that this piece is now complete.  Check out his outstanding photos online.  And a fantastice price to boot.

6 weeks to a wedding - 28 days to go

We may have just found the photographer.  Am really excited.  He does have availability for the date, and his son is getting back for Iraq on Dec 16th.  Will post more later when every detail is confirmed.  Now for the flowers.  I think we are closing in on those too.  If we get these from a bulk supplier, we can get more, and use them on the cake and in some vases for decoration.

6 weeks to a wedding - 8

Wow, most of the major items have been ordered and either received or waiting to receive.  Everyone I have contacted have been WONDERFUL and so very helpful.  That has made finding all of the pieces of the puzzle much easier.

Announcements - Shannon has ordered and they should be on their way here.  Can't wait to be able to get them out for the 2 of them. 

I still need to find a photographer that is reasonably priced.  Serrin will be able to do a bunch of the pictures, but she is also in the wedding so..... we need at least a few hours of a photographer.    Flowers - I am still looking for a bulk flower dealer.  Since nicer purple flowers are hard to find Shannon has settled on Purple Calla Lilies.  Now I'm on the hunt.  Any suggestions anyone? 

Six weeks to a wedding - 7

Toasting Flutes -  Thanks to Sowers Glass Engraving Shoppe in Port Orange, Florida.  They emailed me back quickly with a great big YES.  They can etch the Army Seal and the date as well as their names.  This was one of the hardest items to track down due to wanting the Army Seal etched.    They do ship all over and have some very unique items.  WOW another piece of the puzzle in place.

6 weeks to a wedding - 6

CAKE - Thanks to Baked Occasions in Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte Fl.  WOW Cindy makes the most amazing cakes.  Tasted the french vanilla today.  And her fondant is sublime.  I always thought fondant was yuck to say the least - that is until today.  Homemade fondant using a sheeter to get it thin as possible, what an amazing difference.  It is light and fantastic just like the cake.  Her creations are from the beautiful and classic to the fun and inventive.  She's moving her shop from Port Charlotte to Punta Gorda @ Sugar Island Cupcakes in December.     She also makes the most scrumptious and huge cup cakes ever in loads of flavors.  You can see her at the Punta Gorda Saturday Farmers Market or the Sanibel Island Farmers Market on Sundays.  Be sure to stop by and taste her creations.  And in the meantime check out the cakes on her web site.  Baked Occasions Cakes.