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Get Married for $99 / Renew Your Marriage Vows for $99 The fee to officiate any type of ceremony, any day of the week is $99 The fee to officiate any type of ceremony on a holiday or holiday weekend is $99 There is a $1 per mile travel fee (one way) to any location that does not have a Venice, FL address. Yes, I will travel to Sarasota or Siesta Key or Boca Grande or Englewood or Nokomis or Osprey. There's nothing quite like getting married or renewing your wedding vows in paradise! Beach theme ceremonies, Christian Ceremonies, Interfaith Ceremonies, Non-religious Ceremonies, Romantic Ceremonies and Spiritual Ceremonies (mentions God). Yes, I have done many "short notice" ceremonies. In Florida, only ONE signature is required on the Marriage License, the officiant's signature. I have performed many "just the two of us" ceremonies.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

Surcharge for paying the checked baggage fee at the airport . .

The cost:  $2 to $5 each way.

Why you're being charged:  The regular $15 to $35 check bag fee was bad enough.  Now, in an attempt to boost profits and reduce airport lines, most major air carriers, are also charging extra if you pay checked baggage fees curbside or at a ticket counter or a kiosk.  So, before leaving home, be sure to prepay the fee at the airline's website, then print your e-ticket.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

November 29, 2011

Looking for a venue where you can have a wedding ceremony, a reception and overnight lodging?  This facility also offers a coffee and pastry shop plus a full service restaurant.

Please consider the Bentley's Resort Hotel
1660 South Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229

Website:  http://www.bentleyssarasota.com
E-mail:  Renata@bentleyssarasota.com
Contact: Renata Sek at 941-966-2121 X301

Monday, November 28, 2011

November 28, 2011

Do YOU, the Bride and Groom, think it is Okay for your guests to wear anything they want to your traditional ceremony and reception?  Or do you prefer that they get "all dressed up" as you have.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

November 27, 2011

Do you need "lots of rooms" for your out of town wedding guests? 

Please consider the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
2935 Executive Drive
Venice, FL 34292

Phone:  941-488-4343
http://www.FairfiledInn.com/srqvc
Contact:  Deborah Petty
Deborah.Petty@marriott.com

The newest hotel in Venice featuring 103 smoke free guest rooms and suites, free breakfast, heated pool/spa, 24 hour market pantry, and a fitness/business center.  We are the perfect location for your out of town guests and all reception facilities.  This facility is right off an interstate exit.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

November 26, 2011

Here's one of the "Top Ten" Best Budget Friendly Honeymoon, Destination Wedding and Family Resorts

Please consider this location for your honeymoon or destination wedding . . Club Med Yucatan

Club Med's Yucatan 400 rooms and suites sit alongside what is arguably the best beach in Cancun (Mexico).  The wide, mile-long expanse of sandy beach is perfect for families.  Some may remember that prior to the Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the resort was "adults only."  But it reopened in November 2006 after undergoing $20 million in renovations, including the addition of Club Med's signature children's program:  a Mini-Club for ages 4 to 10, Junior Club Med for ages 11 to 13 and Passworld Teen Club for ages 14 to 17. 

What makes is a deal?  Club Med is a GOOD BARGAIN because of the quality of the kids' programming you get for the price.  While you will find other all-inclusive resorts that offer children's programs and might have more luxurious accommodations and more sophisticated dining options, what you get for the price at a Club Med makes it a good choice.  This particular Club Med rates even higher than most on the value scale because of its top-notch beach.

Compliments of http://www.familyvacationcritic.com

Thursday, November 24, 2011

November 24, 2011

On our wedding day
A new life has its start
We'll share with each other
Our love, one dream, one heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

November 23, 2011

Question . . Is it OK to hand deliver some of our wedding invitations, it will save us a lot of money because we won't have to as many stamps.

Response:  Only in a very unique situation, for example:  your Grandmother is in the hospital.  If you plan to give out these invitations at a family gathering or party the answer is No.  If you plan to travel from one house to another the answer is No.  It should never be obvious to your wedding guests that you are cutting corners or being frugal.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

November 22, 2011

Good question, good advice . .

When filling out an insurance application, can I stretch the truth about my health?

Magazine by by Kelli Grant . . Fibbing about your medical history may get you better rates on a health or life insurance policy, but it's a choice that could leave you uninsured when you most need coverage, "When people become very sick or have an accident, it's common for insurers to investigate their medical backgrounds," says Larry McNeely, the health-care advocate for the US Public Interest Research Groups, a federation of state consumer-advocacy groups.  "If they discover an error - even one you made by accident, they can rescind your policy."  More likely, insurance companies will flag your symptoms as a preexisting condition, allowing them to deny coverage and raise your premiums."

Monday, November 21, 2011

November 21, 2011

Looking for a place to have your ceremony and/or reception?  Or the rehearsal dinner?

Please consider the Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club of Sarasota
8801 Stoneybrook Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34238

Phone 941-918-9595
E-mail :  Sbdining4u@stoneybrookgcc.com
Website:  http://www.stoneybrook.net
Contact:  Kathleen Strand

Sunday, November 20, 2011

November 20, 2011

What would you do if you just realized, after sending out all the Thank You notes, that the Bride's Aunt and Uncle did not give you a wedding gift . . and neither did the Groom's childhood neighbor . . and neither did one of the Groomsmen.

Would you contact them?  Would you ask one of your parents to contact them?  Or would you just ignore the situation and accept it.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

November 19, 2011

Thinking about renting a tent for your outdoor reception but you don't know how many tables will fit inside that tent?  The good people at Rental Depot can show you exactly what the floor plan will look like.

Contact Rental Depot Weddings, Tents, & Events Company
3914 Swift Road
Sarasota, FL 34241

Your contact:  Claudette or Al Giever
Phone:  941-929-9382
E-mail:  Info@arentaldepot.com
Website:  http://www.arentaldepot.com

Friday, November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011

Your honeymoon . .

One of the ten best "budget friendly" resorts . .

Disney's Pop Culture Resort (in Florida) is considered one of Disney's "value resorts."  Located near Epcot Center, this sprawling 2880 room resort has three pools, an arcade, a playground and a large food court.   Pop Century is a little more dated than some of the other Disney properties.

So what does it make if "budget friendly?  The rates are extremely reasonable for a Disney property.  All Disney Resorts offer advantages to staying there over other motels/hotels in the Orlando area . . starting with Magic Hours which allows you to arrive early at the park on certain days and free bus transportation to all Walt Disney World Resort destinations.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

November 17, 2011

With an endless love we'll share our thoughts, our dreams, ourselves.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

November 16, 2011

A recent question from a Bride  . .

Do I have to like the men that my husband-to-be wants as his Best Man and groomsmen?

Response:  Does your fiance know this?  Have any of these men hurt you physically?  Have any of these men hurt you emotionally?  Will you be uncomfortable if these men are close to you on your wedding day?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 15, 2011

From the pages of RealSimple.com, the May 2011 issue

Deal Finder . . "Loyal Shopper Programs"

When you say "I do" you, the Bride and Groom, become serious consumers.

If you would rather load up a virtual shopping cart than lug bags around the mall, check out these membership programs offered by leading online merchants.  You pay an annual fee and in return receive benefits, like cheaper shipping and exclusive discounts.

Amazon Prime . . . Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble Member . . . Barnesandnoble.com
Club O Rewards . . . Overstock.com
Shoprunner . . . Shoprunner.com
Williams-Sonoma Reserve . . . Williamssonoma.com

Happy shopping!

Monday, November 14, 2011

November 14, 2011

Need a LARGE venue for your ceremony and/or reception?
Need a small room for your bachelor party?  Or bridal shower?  Or morning after brunch?

Please consider the Venice Nokomis Elks-Van Hoose Banquet Hall and Event Center.

For more information and a tour, contact Lucy or Gary Steinwachs at 941-486-1854

This venue is located at: 1021 Discovery Way
North Venice, FL
which is close to an I-75 exit and entrance.

Famous for their baked ziti, meatballs and macaroon cookies!

E-mail:  Lucys012561@yahoo.com
Website:  http://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=1854

Sunday, November 13, 2011

November 13, 2011

What would you do if you just found out that your partner was married previously right before you applied for a Marriage License?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

November 12, 2011

Do you need to rent a chuppah?  Do you need to rent some chairs for your beach ceremony?  Do you need a Master of Ceremonies?  Do you need a DJ?

Contact First Class Events
710 Tarpon Avenue
Sarasota, FL

Phone 941-955-4908
Contact:  Luisa or Mike or David

E-mail:  DBrown@FCEnow.com
Website:  http://www.FCEnow.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

November 10, 2011

Why a Wedding Toast?

As drink goes, wine has always been central to the wedding, even mentioned in the Bible.  The first recorded toast was given at a Saxony feast in 450AD by a woman who became a bride herself before the end of the evening.

A toast should be "short and simple."  If you have written more than one or two sentences IT IS TOO LONG. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

November 9, 2011

With an endless love
We'll share our thoughts,
Our dreams, ourselves

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

November 8, 2011

Question from a Groom . .

Would it be OK for my Groomsmen to wear just a pair of dark pants and wear a white shirt?

Response . .

No.  When you asked these gentlemen to participate in your wedding you should have informed them that they will either have to rent formal attire or wear something appropriate, and if they cannot afford to do that then you need to know that.   You're supposed to get "all dressed up" for a wedding, wearing just a pair of black slacks and a white shirt is NOT getting "dressed up."

I was once associated with a Groom who had nothing but "poor" male friends and/or relatives.  He let them wear "half of a tuxedo" to the wedding because it was less expensive.  It looked like terrible, and I'm sure their wedding photographs reflected how incomplete the groomsmen looked.

Monday, November 7, 2011

November 7, 2011

Looking for a great "weekender" bag that you can take on an airplane?  Carry on in style with this deluxe weekender bag designed by inventor and organizational expert Lori Greiner.  It has tons of compartments to keep stuff organized, and comes with a toiletry case.  The wheels turn 360 degrees so you can easily maneuver through jam-packed airports.  $65  available in black, leopard, or tiger print.  Go to qvc.com.

Advice . . When you hold a rolling carry-on upright, the bottom of the bag is actually above the wheels, says Laura Kidder, editorial director of Fodor's Travel.  "Put the heaviest items there when packing."

From Woman's Day.com  August 2010

Sunday, November 6, 2011

November 6, 2011

Looking for a place to have a ceremony?  Or a bridal shower?  Or a reception?  Or a rehearsal dinner?  Or a morning after brunch?

Please consider the Venice Nokomis Elks - Van Hoose Banquet Hall and Event Center
1021 Discovery Way
North Venice, FL 34275
Contact:  Lucy or Gary Steinwachs
Phone 941-486-1854 or 941-375-8162
E-mail:  Lucys012561@yahoo.com

This is a new building with lots of parking plus there is an in-house catering service.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

November 5, 2011

Do you think it is OK to wear a T-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops to a beach wedding?  And would you wear that same outfit to the reception, if the reception was held in a banquet hall?

Friday, November 4, 2011

November 4, 2011

Looking for a designer wedding gown?  Looking for a bridesmaid's dress?
Try The Perfect Dress of Sarasota.

5109 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone:  941-925-5888
http://www.theperfectweddingdress.com/

Owned by Kristi Dole who also owns Something Blue Bridal Boutique in Bradenton.  Both bridal shops are members of The Weddings of Venice.  Samples and information about both stores will be seen at the many bridal shows scheduled for the fall and winter in the Sarasota area.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

November 3, 2011

Toasting the Bride and Groom with Champagne . .

Champagne (or sparkling wine) on a budget:  Neither of the following two sparklers is technically Champagne because neither is made in the Champagne region of France.  Nonetheless, each of these beverages delivers a lot of bubbles for the buck.    Paul Cheneau Brut Blanc De Blancs (about $8) may have a French name, but this effusive nonvintage cava is from Spain.  1998 Seaview Brut (about $9) from Australia has wonderful flavors.

From the March 2000 Wine & Spirits magazine

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November 2, 2011

Each of us a half . . incomplete
Together we are as one.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 1, 2011

Question from Brides and Grooms . .

Do we have to invite people we don't know to our wedding?

Answer . .

You should never invite anyone to your wedding that you do not know or have not met.  Parents have a tendency to invite their bowling buddies or neighbors or co-workers in order to impress them or pay them back BUT if you don't know those people then cross their names off the guest list.   Your parents can always have an "open house" after the wedding to meet the newlyweds.