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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.

Monday, April 30, 2012

April 30, 2012

Over 4400 couples were married in Las Vegas, NV on 07-07-07.
WOW!  That's a lot of wedding cakes!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

April 29, 2012

Met this vendor at a recent Professional Wedding Guild meeting . .

Blonde Cow Photography
505 Burns Lane
Sarasota, FL 34239

Kollene . . 941-266-7197
Mattias . . 941-350-0842

Info@blondecowphotography.com

http://www.blondecowphotography.com

Saturday, April 28, 2012

April 28, 2012

The honeymoon . .

The Franklyn D Resort, an all-inclusive facility, is located in Runaway Bay, Jamaica.  You'll have access to four restaurants, three pools and a great beach.  Suites range in size from one bedroom to three bedrooms.  All the suites have separate living, dining and kitchen areas.

FDR's claim to fame is that they include a personal nanny for each family for the duration of each family's stay.  The nanny will (but does not have to) take charge of your kids every day from 9AM to 440PM.  She will do everything from feeding and bathing them to escorting them around the property to scheduled activities.

Friday, April 27, 2012

April 27, 2012

Hearts filled with joy, lives filled with love

Thursday, April 26, 2012

April 26, 2012

Question . .

What is the average engagement period?

Response . .

I know of a couple who were engaged for a week.  The gentleman proposed to the lady at a Sunday brunch and they were married the following Saturday night.  And I also know of a couple who have been engaged for over twenty years, they have traveled extensively throughout that time period plus they purchased two homes together.

The average time period for an engagement, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants, is eighteen to twenty-four months.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

April 25, 2012

Once a Bride or Groom plans to marry for a second (or third) time, the idea of reviving all the pomp and circumstance of a large, formal wedding may not appeal to them.  If children are involved , they may decide on a small intimate affair in an atmosphere that reflects who they are. 

Here are a few suggestions . .
Barbecues
A Garden Tea Event
An Elegant Dinner Dance
A 50's Theme Party
A Beach Theme Party

Or take a cue from a favorite restaurant's decor.  For a reception at an Italian restaurant give guests bundles of sugared almonds, called confetti in Italy or a bottle of your Italian wine.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

April 24, 2012

Good news!  The owners of Bentley's Resort Hotel just purchased a second beachfront  property that will be the perfect place for a "beach wedding and honeymoon."  The Martins are in the process of updating and renovating this facility.  And we all know what a great job they did at Bentleys! Hip Hip Hoorah to the Martins!

Want more information, contact Bentley's Resort Hotel at 941-966-2121 or go to
http://www.bentleyssarasota.com

Monday, April 23, 2012

April 23, 2012

Question of the week . .

Two Brides (best friends) decided to save money by combining their ceremonies and receptions.  Each couple would pay 50% of the ceremony expenses and 50% of the reception expenses.  Bride A was already married but she never had "a real wedding", she and her husband were married in a Court House setting in another state two years ago.  Bride B was not planning on getting married for at least another year until Bride A approached her with the idea.

Would you share the planning, the organizing, and the expenses of a ceremony and reception with your best friend?  Do you think this idea is realistic?

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Networking and Activities

Met this vendor at a recent Professional Wedding Guild luncheon-meeting . .

Roohi Photography by Rana Mohammadian

Portraits - Lifestyle - Wedding 

Contact Rana at 727-252-8949 or Rana@roohiphotography.com

Rana is "available for travel"

Saturday, April 21, 2012

One of the 10 Best Budget Friendly Honeymoon and Family Resorts . .

El Capitan Canyon Resort.  Located on 300 acres of coastline about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara (CA), El Capitan Canyon Resort is two parts rustic and one part luxury.  The experience is referred to as "glamping" or "glamorous camping."  You can stay in charming private cabins that have kitchenettes and private bathrooms with soaking tubs or safai tents.  Fire pits in the cooking area allow you to prepare your own meals.  Saturday night barbecues, concerts and a heated swimming pool are available.

What makes this a deal?  You are not paying for extras at El Capitan.  By bringing and preparing your own food and making use of the kitchenettes and participating in the free activities, you'll save a bundle.

Friday, April 20, 2012

April 20, 2012

Your love to me was like an unread book by Poet Countee Cullen

Thursday, April 19, 2012

April 19, 2012

Question from a Bride and Groom (the Bride lives in Florida and the Groom lives in North Carolina). . .

Since I live in Florida and he lives outside of Florida what type of Marriage License will we be getting?

When one or both applicants live in Florida you will be given a FLORIDA RESIDENT application which means you will have a three day waiting period unless you have taken the premarital counseling course.  Residency is usually determined by the valid driver's license that you are using at the time of application.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

April 18, 2012

Have someone stand near or at the gift table to make sure all the gift tags are affixed to the packages.  Matter of fact, give the person at least one roll of cellophane tape so they can put  a second piece of tape on any loose cards or tags.  Trying to figure out who gave you what gift because the envelope or tag got lost or torn off is not fun.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

April 17, 2012

Need several rooms for your wedding guests?  Need a location that will be easy to find and accessible to the Interstate?

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

Contact Deborah Petty at Deborah.Petty@marriott.com or 941-488-4343 for more information.
http://www.Fairfieldinn.com/srqvc

Monday, April 16, 2012

April 16, 2012

Would you wear your Mother's or Grandmother's vintage wedding gown if it fit you?

Sunday, April 15, 2012

April 15, 2012

Met this wedding vendor at a recent Professional Wedding Guild meeting . .

The Cake Zone
Alla Levin

"If You Can Dream It, We Can Make It"
941-799-2253
Mycake@thecakezone.com
http://www.TheCakeZone.com

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Apil 14, 2012

How does a Bride and Groom start to plan an authentic wedding?

Start with parents and grandparents familiar with the customs from your culture.  Consult relatives about what they did at their weddings.  Libraries, museums, bookstores and the Internet are good places to do research.  Clergy can also provide guidance.  Check out ethnic newspapers, magazines, cultural associations or hire an ethnic wedding planner.  Even ethnic cookbooks often include recipes for special-occasion foods.  Rites, fashions and foods often vary from region to region even with the same cultures and countries. 

from:  http://www.weddingsatwork.com

Friday, April 13, 2012

April 13, 2012

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance . .
A church filled with flowers and friends . .
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for . .
He said one that would make me his Wife.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

April 12, 2012

Question from a Bride and Groom . .

What is the average amount spent or given as a wedding gift?

Response . .

The average amount given in cash is $100. 

The average amount spent on a gift card is $50.

And the average amount spent on a wrapped gift is $75.

I have seen Brides and Grooms open envelopes with just five $1 bills inside the wedding card and I have  seen a wedding card with a check for $1000 in it.  And I have also witnessed a Bride and Groom opening a wrapped gift with absolutely nothing in it, the box was empty.

Two of the best gifts that I have seen were a beautifully constructed bird house for the backyard of the couple's new home and a beautifully decorated mail box with the couple's name on it.  Both of these items were "homemade."



Wednesday, April 11, 2012

April 11, 2012

Nothing causes one to frown more than hurting feet.  Both the Bride and her attendants should pack at least one additional pair of shoes to dance or socialize in.  And the best "portable" shoe is a ballet slipper which can be folded to fit in one's purse or carry-all bag.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

April 10, 2012

Looking for a venue that you offer you a rehearsal dinner site?  A brunch site?  A bridesmaids' tea party site? Or a wedding ceremony and/or reception site?

The Venetian Golf and River Club offers you two different areas.

For more information contact Angella at Angellacferreira@wcicommunities.com or call 941-441-2276
http://www.venetiangolfandriverclub.com/

Monday, April 9, 2012

April 9, 2012

Question of the week . .

To the gentlemen:  Would you marry someone who has been dismissed or fired from more than one job recently?  What does this say about your future partner?

To the ladies:  Would marry someone who has been unemployed during most of your relationship?  What does this say about your fiance'?

Sunday, April 8, 2012

April 8, 2012

Met this lady at a recent Professional Wedding Guild Networking Luncheon-Meeting

Anna Pohl, Event Planner
Day Planners
Sarasota - Bradenton - St Petersburg area

941-704-4366
Anna@DayPlanners.us
http://www.dayplanners.us

Saturday, April 7, 2012

April 7, 2012

The honeymoon . .

Point Sebago Resort is a great budget-friendly resort for honeymooners and families looking to get back to basics and spend some time close to nature.  Located on Sebago Lake, southern Maine's largest lake, the resort covers 775 shore front and wooded acres and offers loads of activities for families at an affordable price.

What makes it a deal?
What's great about Point Sebago is that you have a wide variety of accommodation options; so you can decide for yourself how much or how little you want to spend.  You'll have the option of everything from a tent or RV to a much-less-rustic park or vacation home.  Families can also save money on food, as all lodging options include some kind of cooking facility, be it a campfire or a fully-equipped kitchen.  Many families opt to cook their own meals, purchasing goods at the on-site general store.  Those who prefer to be served can dine in the on-site Lakeview Restaurant.

From http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/

Friday, April 6, 2012

April 6, 2012

I believe . .

That you should always leave loved ones with Loving Words . .

It may be the last time you see them.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

April 6, 2012

Question from a Bride and Groom . .
Could you tell us what the "Wish Upon A Wedding" organization does?

Response . .
Wish Upon A Wedding provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.  as a nationwide 501(c)(3) organization, the celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love during their most challenging times.

For more information go to http://www.wishuponawedding.org


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

April 4, 2012

Most Brides do not want to give or throw away their wedding bouquet so if you plan to "toss" your bouquet to all the single ladies during the reception make it a mini version of your bouquet or a faux flower bouquet.

And if you wish to preserve your wedding bouquet, arrangements should be made before your wedding day so it can be taken to the preserver within twenty-four hours of your wedding day.  Taking your bouquet to the florist or preserver when you return from your honeymoon will give you disappointing results.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

April 3, 2012

Looking for a picturesque setting for your rrehearsal party or wedding reception or day-after brunch?

Please consider the Venice Yacht Club
                              1330 Tarpon Center Drive
                              Venice, FL 34285

Contact Nancy Little at 941-488-7708 or N.Little@daystar.net
Excellent food and a grand view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
http://www.veniceyachtclub.com

Monday, April 2, 2012

April 2, 2012

Would you pose as a Bride (and Groom) at a Bridal Show to get in free?  To win some gifts and/or prizes?  To eat all the wedding cakes and chocolates you wanted for a couple of hours?

Sunday, April 1, 2012

April 1, 2012

Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Events . .

Wedding Village Bridal Show
April 29, 2012
1PM - 430PM
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
Pre-register at http://www.nuovobride.com

Anna Maria Island Chamber 5th Annual Wedding Festival
May 6, 2012
11AM - 5PM
Pre-register at http://www.amiweddingfestival.com