Florida Weddings & Wedding Planning Advice

When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I’m planning my wedding, I’m looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I’ve always dreamed of as a little girl.

For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it’s a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It’s also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It’s no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding.

One of the reasons that Florida’s gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise as to Florida’s rise as one of the top wedding destinations!

Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget.

Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it’s said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well.

Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven’t considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we’ll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida’s breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality.

About the Author:

Holly Dodd is a webmaster that enjoys including her personal solutions, like planning a wedding and a variety of other topics are covered in other websites.

When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I’m planning my wedding, I’m looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I’ve always dreamed of as a little girl.

For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it’s a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It’s also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It’s no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding.

One of the reasons that Florida’s gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise as to Florida’s rise as one of the top wedding destinations!

Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget.

Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it’s said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well.

Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven’t considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we’ll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida’s breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality.

About the Author:

Holly Dodd is a webmaster that enjoys including her personal solutions, like planning a wedding and a variety of other topics are covered in other websites.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
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You’re getting married, right? Congratulations! And, you want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you’ve always dreamed. But, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures. Bummer. So, how do you choose the right photographer?

Here’s how. Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.

1. Do you like the photographer’s work? Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site. It’s best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding. The albums probably represent the best of the photographer’s work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you? Are they pleasing to look at? Does the lighting and the color look good to you? Is the photographer’s style what you are looking for? Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones. Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding. If you don’t like the photographer’s work, there is no need to consider them further. Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding. Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer’s work you see is the work you will get.

2. Do you like the photographer’s personality and mannerisms? Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor? Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests. A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant. I know you don’t want that! Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose. If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also. To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally. If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer’s personality.

3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic? Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems? Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)? Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images? Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding? How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day? Ask them. Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress. Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he’s coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that . You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.

4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also? An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a “newbie”. An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong. That’s why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary. My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.

5. Does your photographer offer you the right value? Not the right price, but, the right value. If your photographer doesn’t have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are. If the photographer has all four, that’s a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important. Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want. Someone who offers a “low” price up front may sound attractive. But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on. A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.

So, there you have it. Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams. Good luck and congratulations again.

About the Author

Chicago Wedding Photographer Paul Kaliher is a Canon Five Star Master Photographer. Paul has been capturing beautiful wedding images for brides and grooms for over 12 years in the Chicagoland area and other destinations. He and his wife Joan offer their wedding photography and videography at http://www.smsdesign-weddingvideo.com.

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Millions of vacationers each year stop in at the beautiful Caribbean islands. A few days of fun in the sun may seem like the ultimate indulgence, but more and more frequently, visitors are arriving with an agenda all their own. Weddings and honeymoons have always been a popular activity for couples visiting the Caribbean, but these days themed weddings put a new spin on an old favorite.

Many islands in the region have plenty to offer lovebirds who hope to create their dream nuptials or post-party escape. Incredible scenery and balmy breezes make the perfect backdrop for a tropical ceremony, allowing travelers to make their special day into something truly memorable. Of course, there are also a few ways to make a one-of-a-kind wedding by incorporating some distinctly Caribbean aspects.

One fun option that many travelers may not have considered is to add a bit of the local culture to their own ceremony. Though Caribbean wedding traditions are largely Christian, the islands have a history of blending cultural influences, much the same way they have created the fabulous foods and sizzling beats for which the region is known.

African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the tropics. These rituals can be combined into your wedding to give it a hint of culture, whether it’s set on the seaside or in a beautifully decorated ballroom.

- Dress like a local: The new wedding attire the bride and groom show tends to be handmade. Outfits here are designed to help them look their best, and store-bought dresses are uncommon.

- Consider a long walk down the aisle: Many Caribbean islands include the tradition of the happy couple walking through the town from their respective homes to the church, whose bells are ringing out news of the occasion. The purpose of this is to show off their new wedding attire.

- Pare down the party: In many island traditions, there is no inclusion of a best man or groom’s men. Instead the groom waits while the bride’s father, and sometimes mother as well, escort her to the altar. A maid or matron of honor position does exist, though she is called “the chief.”

- Try tropical toasts: Rum is the liquor of choice throughout the region, and this sugar-based alcohol is often included in punches for the toast. A cake heavily laced with rum and rum-soaked fruits is also common at weddings in the Caribbean.

- Feast on local cuisine: Every island in the Caribbean has its own specialties, whether it’s the jerk marinades of Jamaica or the Latin flare of Puerto Rico, you’ll find something unique in each location. Of course, seafood is easy to find and hard to resist on nearly every island.

Other traditions may be unique to individual islands. On Bermuda, for example, the wedding cake is topped not by miniature figures but by a tree! Newlyweds plant this tree when they return home, its healthy growth considered an indication of a successful marriage.

Another interesting tradition involves gifts of money granted to the bride and groom at the reception. Different islands include this differently: In Cuba, a particular dance has the bride changing partners around the room, during which time they each present her with money to help with honeymoon expenses; in Puerto Rico, a doll dressed like the bride is given money by the wedding guests.

Though some of these items might not work for your wedding, taking on a few Caribbean traditions may be the perfect way to add a little flair to your ceremony. In fact, these traditions can help you plan an unusual wedding, no matter whether you hold it in the heart of the Caribbean or in your own backyard.

About the Author

Jennifer Smith writes for Bermuda-Guide.info, StMartin-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

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If you want your guests to remember your wedding ceremony long after the marriage is over, then you should consider a tropical themed wedding. Usually adorned with beautiful hot colors, every tropical marriage stands for an exquisite island experience. You are going to want to bring the beach right from the Caribbean to your wedding just for you! But you may think, “That is impossible!” And why shouldn’t you?

Start from the beginning

Hiring a huge crew skilled enough in order to move a beach from one place to another seems as if beach weddings were only meant for big time spenders. Or not so exaggerated, transport every one of your guests TO the beach. Either way, small fortunes must be spent for that dream to come true. Never the less, you don’t have to panic. There are many ways to have a tropical wedding right in your own backyard. Having the right decoration and spirit is the way to go. You will have to get every aspect of your wedding synchronized in order to set the right atmosphere for the ceremony, starting with beach wedding invitations.

Throwing a memorable beach wedding is not an unfeasible task. Tropical wedding invitations are an important factor for this to be achieved, since wedding invitations set the starting mood for everything. A perfect beach wedding invitation could feature a real seashell attached onto the card itself or perhaps an authentic starfish. This, of course, is not limited only for this. Sand works perfectly as well or anything you can imagine that has to do with the beach. Your imagination is the limit.

Transmit your excitement

But the really good beach invitations are the ones that speak for you, and not about you. Invitations that state information about the wedding are not good. People are most likely to read the card and then probably forget about everything very quickly since the invitations didn’t transmit any feelings.

Exotic wedding invitations that present a picture of you and your partner together, having a long passionate walk on a beach holding hands under a breathtaking sunset sky convey emotions, true love. Another choice is to write a poem or a quote that your guests can specifically relate you to it.

The wrap-up

To have an unforgettable wedding, start with the invitations. If you want your wedding to be the talk about between your family and friends for time to come, a fresh and original idea is to go tropical and have a day in paradise.

About the Author: Rebecca Foster

Rebecca Foster is an expert in wedding invitations. Come and get the finest and most creative tips for your best wedding invitations

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Every bride wants to look ravishing on her big day, so here are the top ten beauty tricks you need to know about to wow your groom when you do that aisle walk.

Tip 1 - Start a skincare routine as soon as possible. Go to a department store at a quiet time and get a few free skincare consultations. Discuss any skin problems you may have and find out what kind of skincare regimen would most benefit you. Make sure you pick up a good exfoliation product.

Tip 2 - Drink at least two litres of water a day. This will cleanse your system of toxins, keeping your complexion clear and giving it a bright, luminous look.

Tip 3 - Use high factor sunscreen. Sun exposure dries your skin out, makes it look patchy and pigmented and gives you premature wrinkles. Protect your skin with high factor sunscreen and you’ll have a smooth, even complexion for your wedding day.

Tip 4 - Go with a fake tan. If you want a tanned look, visit a beautician for a professional fake tanning treatment. Steer clear of products that may stain your dress and be sure to exfoliate thoroughly beforehand. Arrange your final application a couple of days before your wedding.

Tip 5 - Visit the hairdressers every 6 to 8 weeks. Ask for a deep conditioning treatment each time you visit the hairdresser. The results will amaze you.

Tip 6 - Get into shape the easy way. Make good diet and exercise part of your routine. You should be doing at least half an hour’s aerobic exercise a minimum of three times a week, so choose something you enjoy doing like dancing, running, swimming or cycling. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and high protein food like fish, meat, seafood and poultry.

Tip 7 - Use hand cream every day and give yourself a manicure once a week. Finish off with a professional, classic French manicure and perhaps even a pedicure the day before your wedding.

Tip 8 - When it comes to pre-wedding hair removal, waxing is your best option. It gives the smoothest finish of all and will keep you hair-free throughout your honeymoon.

Tip 9 - Leave hair colouring to the professionals. No home hair dye kits please! If you want to experiment with a new colour, try it out well before your wedding day so you have time to change it if it doesn’t look good. You can’t go wrong with natural looking highlights which complement your skin tone and highlight your eyes.

Tip 10 - Choose a first-rate makeup artist and hairdresser. Interview several people before you make your choice, and look at photos of brides they have made up in the past. Your makeup artist and hairdresser are there to make you look great all day and you’ll find their expertise invaluable.

About the Author

Wow your guests with a wedding they’ll rave about for years. For free wedding ideas, red hot promotions, giveaways, your wedding ‘tip of the day’ and hundreds of inspiring articles visit Jessica Howe’s site at www.loveandcherish.net, home of the internationally acclaimed One Stop Wedding Kit.

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Love is lovelier the second time around… so the saying goes. It is always a special joy to find someone special but after you’ve become a statistic, it is especially thrilling. Let’s face it, finding someone who can handle the emotional baggage that comes from being a divorcee, and in some cases possibly becoming an instant parent, is not easy.

For those who have chosen to take the plunge a second time here are some advantages that you may not have realized you have:

- You do not have to wear an elaborate gown to your wedding. You can now wear a simpler gown without all the flounces and gewgaws used for young girls’ nuptials.

- You are not expected to wear white as you walk down the aisle. You can get married in almost any color you want. Of course, there is a preference for the pale shades (getting married in black is still discouraged). Still, no one will look askance if you decide to get married in champagne colored silk or a gorgeous bronze gown that you adored on sight.

- You are not expected to have a big elaborate wedding. You already had the big bash the first time around. Since you are paying for this yourselves, you can indulge in just having an intimate wedding. As we all know, in the reality of life, it is better to have your nearest and dearest present rather than all the people that you “must have present” but whose name you can’t remember in just five years.

Of course, do keep in mind that while it is your second nuptials, it may be your fiance/e’s first wedding. You may want to give them the lead since they may have wedding dream plans of their own (just as long as you are clear on the budget). You can be the guide since you’ve done this before and just help to make your event even more special.

While there are many great destinations for a great wedding on the beach, it would be hard to beat the fun and beauty of a Florida beach wedding.

These great weddings are gaining increasing popularity among all kinds of brides and grooms, and it is certainly quite easy to understand why.

Choosing The Perfect Florida Beach Location To Have Your Wedding At

One of the best things about holding a Florida beach wedding is that there are so many locations to choose from.

From the fun and carefree style of Miami Beach or Daytona Beach, to the more subdued and laid back nature of Cocoa Beach there are certainly many great locations to choose from.

Research The Area For Wedding Planning Services

It is important, of course, to research the many areas as carefully as possible, and to start the search for the perfect Florida beach wedding location as early as possible.

If you already have a favorite Florida beach resort, you may want to start the search by asking the staff if they provide space for weddings or wedding planning services.

While not all Florida resorts provide such services, a growing number of resorts in Florida and elsewhere are coming to recognize the value of the growing market for beach weddings.

Start Looking For The Perfect Florida Resort Far In Advance Of The Wedding

It may take some shopping around and calling a couple of different resorts in a couple of different locations, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

There are many different resort locations in the state of Florida, and it is important to start looking around as quickly as possible.

Making Sure You Reserve Plenty Of Rooms For Your Wedding Party And Guest

It is also important to make sure that there will be plenty of rooms available for your wedding guests and for members of the wedding party.

One of the best things about having a wedding at a resort location in Florida is that it gives the wedding guests a chance to enjoy a beautiful vacation as well as a great wedding.

It is important to make sure that everyone who is coming to your great Florida beach wedding has a comfortable and beautiful place to stay.

About the Author

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding planning topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/beach_wedding_theme.html

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Brides.com introduces the year’s latest wedding dresses in their 2006 Runway Report.

May 27, 2006 — Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s the hottest wedding gown for fall? Choosing the perfect wedding dress is never easy, but Brides.com provides everything a prospective bride needs to make an informed decision. Unveiling the most extensive web collection of Fall 2006 Runway wedding dresses-including intricate close-ups of each gown- Brides.com cordially invites you to view the latest in bridal fashion. Though this fall offers the most enchanted line of wedding dresses yet, with resources like these, it won’t be to hard to find the fairest of them all.

Within the first few clicks, the exquisite workmanship that’s gone into each designer’s fall wedding gown collection becomes apparent. The top ateliers have toiled amid a flurry of seamstresses and tailors to create regal ball gowns fit for marital bliss. The result? The most starkly dramatic, bejeweled, and theatrical wedding dresses. This bounty of bridal dresses beckons one and all to fall’s sultry ball, no glass slippers necessary.

Indeed, magic is the order of the day for fall bridal fashion. From heavy-metal heroines to shipwrecked sea sirens, Brides.com’s fall 2006 runway images captures wedding dresses glazed in fairy tale whimsy,. View models alternately swaying and gliding in glittery bodices and exaggerated trumpet skirts as Brides.com brings you runway-close.

And now, here’s just a few ways fashion’s top wedding dress designers spun straw into gold this season:

The first hint of glint is found in the new color trends. Preppie green and cake-frosting pink melt away as gold, silver, and the most electric shades of robin’s egg blue ignite fall’s bridal gowns for looks that are fresh, eccentric and mesmerizing. These colors are most noticeable in the deliciously original offerings of Justina McCaffrey and Claire Pettibone.

Patterns too, undergo a metamorphosis this season. Last season’s sweet cupcake ruffles intensify to outrageous rivulets of flounce and circumstance when under the magic touch of wedding maven Vera Wang.
But through the vivid depictions of Brides.com virtual runway, it becomes clear the real pattern trendsetter for fall isn’t floral at all. Rather it’s the boldly geometric, ethnic motifs best demonstrated by Lebanese rainmaker Reem Acra. When it comes to acres of tangy, vivacious patterns, decadent fabrics and etchings so intricate they resemble tapestries, there’s no doubt Acra is at the helm.

But what’s a good fairy tale without some enchanting jewels? Via Brides.com’s magic mirror, one can watch as last season’s girlish pearls darkly turn to heavy glistening silvers. These precious metals encrust bodices and bands like elegant armor, as costume jewelry clings like crustaceans for a drippingly beautiful effect.

This jeweled trend is perhaps nowhere more evident than in this season’s centerpiece: the bride’s back. No doubt there’s something magical about a seemingly plain dress that, when pirouetted, reveals a booty of beads, a giant bow that streams from the hips to the tips of the toes, or the low clusters of gaping roses that replace spring’s blushing buds.

Last but not least, no magic show would be complete without a disappearing, reappearing act. In light of the fall’s overtly womanly look, even the most traditional ateliers aren’t adverse to a flash of flesh, a now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t moment. In the time it takes to pull a rabbit out of a hat, thick fabrics give way to sheer panels that swing like doors, obscuring and exposing in time. Sheer cleavage and daring frontal slits abound, adding spice to superstition for a look that is exultantly adult.

Ethnic touches such as Carolina Herrera’s Spanish motifs, the new stark designs, and blatant high-fashion touches make this batch of ball gowns the most evocative and original in years. With wedding dresses like these, who needs a fairy godmother?

The moment you find your dream wedding gown is nothing short of magic. Your tingly sensation awaits at http://www.Brides.com.

About Brides.com
Brides.com is a leading online resource for wedding planning. The site offers expert advice about everything from wedding dresses and cakes to jewelry and etiquette. BRIDES magazine is the leading Bridal publication in America, published by the Fairchild Bridal Group.

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