Jeremy and Melissa

I apologize. It has been forever since I've posted and we have soooo much updating to do and soooo much to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. Liz and I have met more wonderful vendors who we hope to spotlight on our blog very soon. For now though, we are highlighting our most recent wedding - Melissa and Jeremy. Just the most relaxed bride and groom from Tennessee, and a real pleasure to work with from the start. They had their very intimate SURPRISE wedding on the beach in front of the fabulous Driftwood Resort in Vero Beach. After an entire week of rain the skies parted and shined down on Melissa and Jeremy as their absolutely stunned family looked on.

The dinner reception was overlooking the beautiful Atlantic ocean and was elegant, rustic, and warm. We created a color palette of burgundy, ocean blue and ivory, and Monti from Monti's Flower Market created the beautiful floating orchid centerpieces, a small bouquet of Melissa's favorite flower, and Jeremy's requested Hawaiian Lei. we hooked Melissa up with Cindy Goetz, make up artist, and Bob at Calvetti and Co., for her desired beach wedding look. Misty Lundeen photographed the event (and we LOVE her)- I think it all worked out so perfectly....

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope everyone enjoys this day of LOVE! Here's a little red and pink inspiration from our favorite photographers...

A Misty Moment Photography:







Martina's Photography:







Angela Tappen Photography:

Verola Photography!

So if you haven't caught on yet, I have a thing for photography. I believe that it is the most important component of your wedding day. Some brides get all caught up with the flowers, or the food, or even the cake, but I emphasize the photography. You've heard it before but it bears repeating, long after the last glass of champagne is tossed, the flowers wilt, and the food is gone, the photos will remain.

I recently met with Vic and Marina Verola of Verola Photography . This duo has a long standing reputation in Vero Beach for their quality photography and videography. Meeting with them was like meeting with old friends. Their studio is gorgeous and the collection of wedding albums they have shot is enormous. Needless to say I was very impressed. I was impressed by their professional but warm demeanor, I was impressed by the high tech equipment they use (be sure to know they will NEVER lose any of your photos!!), and I was certainly impressed by the quality of their photography.

I am posting just a few of the fabulous photos given to me by Verola Photography for your viewing enjoyment.

Angela Tappen Photography!

I really have to apologize to Angela, it really should not have taken me this long to get these photos up! The good news is, we have been inundated with brides lately and because of that we haven't had time for much else!

Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos taken by the talented Angela Tappen of Angela Tappen Photography based out of Vero Beach and available for travel. Also, please visit her site if you are interested in family, children and maternity photography as well!

The Budget Bride - 5 Money Saving Tips!

Just like so many of us these days, brides are on a serious BUDGET! And sticking to the budget is definitely a chore. As I meet with more and more brides there is one theme that is always the same. Brides are on a budget and they just don't wanna sacrifice ANY part of the wedding that they have dreamed of. So, here is a little advice on how to cut costs without cutting out the style.

#1 - Almost half of your budget is going to be in reception expenses. This largely includes food. To cut your costs, the first thing to do is cut the guest list. Sit down with your fiance,your Mom, or planner and go through the list one by one. Aunt Mary stays, but Moms co-worker is out. Also, cut out the "and guest" language on the invites. Sorry singles, your flame of the week is not invited!

#2 - The designer gown. We ALL want the latest Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, or Reem Acra gown. This CAN be possible. Try checking out sites like Once Wed, where you can find a used DESIGNER gown (worn once of course!) for a fraction of what it would retail for.I found a once worn Vera Wang for $1,650.00 that had an original retail price of $5,000.00. Seriously people, check it out! The photo below is a Vera Wang dress going for $950.00!



#3 - Centerpieces - The BEST way to cut back on your floral budget for your centerpieces is to use as many candles as possible. Not only is it an elegant way to dress up your table, but it provides the most flattering light for your guests and looks amazing in photos! Pair candles of different sizes with small floral arrangements, and you have a match made in centerpiece heaven. Check out Save on Crafts for great prices on glassware, candles and other decor.



#4 - Your save the dates, invites, programs, place cards, and menus. Can we say DIY? That is the most practical way to do it - yourself! If you have a fancy computer program like photoshop - USE IT! These paper goodies could turn out better than you had hoped. Use your favorite engagement photo and keep it simple, chic and stylish. Make sure to solicit the help of your Maid of Honor and wedding party to help you assemble the goods. Here's a sample of a DIY Save the Date that is oh so cute created by the Budget Savvy Bride.



#5 - Don't slash your photography budget! Instead, interview with A LOT of photographers and find the one that is right for you and has the best packages for the price. A budget bride should always look for an engagement photo session that is included in the package price as well as coverage from the ceremony through the reception. Be careful though, because pre-wedding photos (getting ready shots) can be extra and you'll have to decide whether that is worth it. Finally - purchase the photo CD or better yet, the package that includes it. This may be a little pricey if not included, but worth every penny! You can then order whatever photos you want from any online printer! If your a local Vero Beachian, I suggest Angela Tappen Photography. Not because she is budget at all, but because she offers packages that are nearly "all inclusive" for realistic prices and her work is AMAZING!

Happy Planning!

Vendors We LOVE!

I just had the pleasure of meeting with Martina Tannery of Martina's Photography and I cannot wait to work with her. Please check out her website and her work, it is incredible! Here are a few pics from some of the many weddings she has done over the last few years! We on the Treasure Coast are so lucky to have the ocean so close to us to use for these special moments. Martina said it best "God just creates this beautiful light and cloud arrangements for you!"

Enjoy!

I have totally fallen in love - Again!

But this time it is with a photographer. Her name is Misty Lundeen, of A Misty Moment Photography and she has graciously donated her services to our little company for a bridal photo shoot. We will be using these photos on our new website - coming soon! Here is a sneak peak of how the shoot went and some of Misty's work. I can only show some of the details as the bride is getting married on September 20th and we don't want her husband to be seeing too much :)




The Floral arrangements were done by Monti's Flower Market, and if you want their info, you can check out our vendors page on our website Panache Weddings & Events. Monti also does some amazing floral arrangements and we were delighted to work with her as well.

So check back for some more great photos of the bride and our new site launch on October 1st!