Celebrate love and history with a wedding at a historic Florida wedding venue. For example, one of Florida’s first “attractions” was The Citrus Tower. Built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida. This observation tower rises 226 feet into the sky. Offering stunning views, rich history and classic Florida charm. Therefore it is the perfect backdrop for your wedding.
This styled shoot was created and designed by Seas Your Day Events. The inspiration came from the theme – Citrus Luxe. To sum it up, they married the Old Florida charm with a modern elegant flair. In addition, they partnered with some local Clermont wedding professionals to further celebrate the connection to the community. For instance, the photographers of PB&J Studios. Who beautifully captured the charm and nostalgia of this venue.
Take your wedding reception to new heights. That is to say, welcome your guests to the Citrus Tower Observation deck. Soaring 22 stories above the ground, your guests will have a panoramic view of Lake County, FL. First the rolling hills of Florida’s ridge section. And then the hundreds of spring-fed lakes.
Celebrate love and history by throwing back to the days of orange groves. For example, serve citrus themed food and dessert. Similarly, decorate this charming historic venue with citrus hues and green foliage. To sum it up you will feast your eyes on the views and the food.
This styled shoot highlighted the versatility and nostalgia only a true Florida landmark could achieve. Most importantly, the shoot embodied the unique elegance of a historical Florida wedding venue. But also the fun that comes with bringing individual couples’ dreams to life.
For instance, you can end your day with some video game fun and friendly competition in the arcade located on the first floor. And don’t forget your sparkler exit.
Contributing wedding professionals:
Photographer: PB&J Studios – @pbandjstudios
Florist: Blossoms Orlando – @amyblossoms
Venue: Florida’s Citrus Tower – @floridacitrustower
Dress: Gray Collective Bridal – @graycollectivebridal
Makeup: @Samantha Hailers Artistry
Desserts: Whistle Stop Bakery – @whistle_stop_bakery AND Soleil Confections – @soleilconfections
I actually enjoy networking. I know, I know, you think I’m crazy. But don’t stop reading – because, I have not always enjoyed networking. It is a learned skill. Like everything you do, there is a level of discomfort and a learning curve. However, if you prepare yourself for success, you will find success.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 easy networking tips to achieve your best success. In short, make it work for you. Face to face communication and interaction is imperative for successful business growth. As a result, networking will be instrumental in building your business.
Find out more about being a partner with I Said Yes! FL by going to our Wedding Pros Tab. Likewise, follow us on social platforms at – Instagram – Instagram Pros – Facebook – Facebook Pros – YouTube – Pinterest – LinkedIn
Video from an I Said Yes FL! Networking Event
Contributing wedding professionals for event featured in video:
Photographer: Alexis Kline Photography
Videographer: Cinemology
Venue: Bella Collina
Rental Design: Ocean Hawks Rentals
Floral Design: In Bloom Florist
DJ: FyerFly Productions
Musician: RLE3 Music
Linen: Over The Top
Planner and Designer: At Last Wedding + Event Design
Event Host: I Said Yes! FL
*The bite the frog reference is from a quote by Mark Twain, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” Therefore, bite the frog and do the hard thing, go network.
A wedding reception venue can be uniquely styled to match your wedding design. The same venue can look completely different depending on the décor and design. In this installment of our Florida Wedding Venue series, we look at Paradise Cove and two different holiday events.
Tucked away in a private corner of Lake Buena Vista, Paradise Cove is an idyllic oasis on the shores of Lake Bryan. Complete with white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and cypress trees. In addition, twinkling lights and tiki torches add to the magical glow of this secluded paradise. The natural and scenic beauty of Lake Bryan creates a wonderful backdrop for the ultimate wedding in paradise. Continue reading to see how you can create this into your own personally designed paradise.
Atmospheres Floral and Decor created two stunningly different looks with the chandeliers. First is a colorful array of florals and greenery suspended with-in gorgeous wooden chandeliers. Pulling in the bright wedding colors and the wooden elements, an almost boho-chic-modern holiday was fashioned. The chandeliers are complemented by a simple white celing drape. In contrast, the second option is adorned with crystals and lights to soften and light the ceiling. This elegant chandelier is the perfect option to compliment the-over-the-top floral ceiling installation. As a result, both options provide a completely different look and feel to this wedding reception venue.
We absolutely must stop to admire the floral ceiling installation completed by Atmospheres Floral and Décor in the photo on the right above. If you want a statement piece for your wedding reception venue décor – look up and dream big. You cannot go wrong with a floral installation. To sum up this wedding decoration option – go big and get married!
Work closely with your floral designer to pick the centerpieces and décor that best fit your style and budget. First choose the type of table and seating you want for your wedding reception guests. Do you want family style like the top row of photos below, or more intimate seating like the examples in the bottom row? Can’t decide – do some of both.
Second, choose your place settings and consider the amount of room each will consume on the table.
Lastly, balance the room. If you go big on the ceiling, balance it more simply on the table. If you go more simple on the ceiling – add more drama to your table.
Choose the cake or dessert option that appeals to your sweet tooth. For example, you like chocolate and your fiancé likes vanilla. That’s ok, get multiple flavors of cupcakes or different flavored tiers of cake.
Share your wedding style and décor options with your cake designer so your cake is a sweet compliment to your reception space.
In conclusion, when it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong. The two styles featured here are simple cupcakes and a simple 3 tier cake with some flower drama.
Your wedding reception is your time to celebrate love and happiness. Surprise your guests with live entertainment. If your wedding reception venue has space, the options are endless.
First start with your DJ to keep the party going all night and to control the energy in the room with the music selection.
Second provide a live entertainment performance that wows your guests. For example, the two events featured here had: Samba dancers by Spirit of Samba; an artist creating personalized wedding favors by Leo’z Arts & Photography; Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf provided by P.S. I Love You Productions; snow princess by Key Artist Group; and a champagne girl.
To sum up, design your reception to match your unique wedding style. Each wedding reception venue can be decorated differently to show off you and your fiancé on your special day. Whether you go big and dramatic or small and simple, at the end of the day, you have married your best friend.
Contribution wedding vendors:
Venue: Paradise Cove
Floral and Décor: Atmospheres Floral and Décor
DJ and Lighting: Soundwave Entertainment
Photography: Rudy & Marta Photography and Castaldo Studio
Cake: Cake and Bake
Cupcakes: Anna Cakes
Rentals: Trove Rentals
Live Entertainment: Spirit of Samba, Leo’z Arts & Photography, Key Artist Group, P.S. I Love You Productions
Nature sets the backdrop for your wedding. Florida is uniquely diversified in the types backdrops available. With 1,350 miles of coastline, 3,000 lakes, big cities, amusement parks, rolling hills, swamp and flat lands, the possibilities are endless. However, we can’t forget that two-fifths of Florida’s land is considered farmland, and much of that being pasture. For example, take Lovelock Ranch. This family owned, working cattle farm is on Carlton Lake, just 30 minutes from Tampa. It boasts a 5,000+ square foot barn with a modern Western aesthetic perfect for cocktail hour and reception. In addition, it has dreamy fields, cypress trees and a tee pee constructed of repurposed pine. This styled shoot is dripping with romantic charm, fall florals and an unexpected guest.
Blooming Flowers and Art created beautiful floral bridal hats. They are not only unique, but give that added flair of fall beauty. Similarly, they created a floral hoop instead of a traditional wedding bouquet style. As a result, these florals create a statement that represents you as the one-of-a-kind bride. Speak with your florist about creative ways to incorporate your personal style and uniqueness into your special day.
Surprise your wedding guests with a visit from an unexpected attendee. Fairytale Petcare are the handlers for this special guest – a llama. That’s right, a llama made an appearance and the cuteness is on overload. Animal guests are trending at weddings, from llama’s, to sloths to beverage burrows. Many of these animals are rescues and they love the attention. Furthermore, they are adorable in your wedding photos.
Charcuterie boards and coffee – you can’t go wrong. Make your wedding extra special by serving your guests some of your favorite things. First, consider pleasing their pallets with a variety of cheeses, fruits and crackers at cocktail hour. These days you can even order individual charcuterie boxes for each guest. Second, choose food that represents you as a couple. Merge your favorite foods into a smorgasbord of courses so you each get something you enjoy. Lastly, don’t forget the dessert and coffee. This 3 tier cake by Tampa Bay Cake Company is sure to wow your guests. Most importantly, everything is made better with specialty coffee in to go cups.
The stunning chandeliers inside the barn and the beautiful barn doors set a gorgeous backdrop for photos. Almost as beautiful as the sunset over the fields with your new spouse and a llama. Whatever type of Florida wedding venue you choose, make it uniquely you. Work with each of your wedding professionals to tell your love story the way you want it told.
Thank you to the contributing wedding professionals:
| Planning Coordinator: Wilder Mind Events Photographers: Garry and Stacy Photography Co. Venue: Lovelock Ranch Cake: Tampa Bay Cake Company Hair/Makeup: Just Beauty Stationary/Placecards: Hey Hunn Paperie Llama Handling: Fairytale Petcare Men’s Suit: All Brides 2 Be Dress: The Dressing Room St. Pete Vintage Coffee Bar: Cafe Al La Carte Cinema: JS Media Cheese Board: Adored Boards Models: @haley_dreamer @drewprobertson Florist: Blooming Flowers and Art Styling Accessories: ADR Decor Harpist: Emma the Harpist Furniture: Traditions Rentals Linens: Elite Events and Rentals |
We are starting a new blog series on Florida Wedding Venues. Tour a new venue with us in each post. Learn about the different processes involved in looking for and booking a wedding venue. Gather information on available options, policies and innovations. Today’s post will discuss catering minimums and Planet Hollywood, Disney Springs.
When you announce your engagement, everyone asks the same question. When is the big day?
Securing the wedding venue is the first step to setting the date. If your heart is set on a particular date, but your favorite venue isn’t available, you have some hard decisions to make. Do I choose the venue or the date?
There are a few things to question when searching for your venue.
Start with, what is your catering minimum? When it comes to this catering conundrum, there are three different types of venue catering options.
First, there are venues with in-house catering. However, they may give you the option to secure an outside catering company. Typically, but not in all cases, a caterer must be on the venue preferred list. These are vendors which meet the standards and guidelines set forth by the wedding venue.
Second, some venues have only one option. To use their in-house catering. This is an important consideration if you have already set your appetite on a particular catering service.
Third, there are venues with no in-house catering and no preferred vendor list. Allowing you to freely choose your caterer.
Regardless of the option available at your venue. Make sure you ask any potential wedding venue if they have a “minimum spend”. You also need to know what services count toward that minimum. This is where the catering minimum comes in.
It is vital that you ask about their catering minimum before you sign anything. Many couples secure a wedding venue based off the actual space rental fee and forget to ask what the catering minimum is. After you have signed a contract, you don’t want to discover that your venue has a catering minimum of $15,000. What if your wedding is only 50 guests? Now you are locked into a catering minimum that is larger than your entire wedding budget.
Every wedding venue has different minimums, requirements and policies.
For example let’s look at Florida Wedding Venue, Planet Hollywood Disney Springs. They fall under the second type of venue above. They require couples to use their in-house catering.
Additionally, venues like Planet Hollywood offer multiple options. For instance, they do have catering minimums, but it does not apply to every event. You can have your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner in one of several different spaces with-in the venue. Some of these space do not have a catering minimum unless you require the entire floor or terrace for your wedding. This is incredible for a venue located right in the heart of Disney Springs.
One option is to rent out their space called Stargazers. This area is their patio on the left hand side of the entrance. The minimum in that space is $2,500!
Stargazers is fantastic because they can fit a DJ, cocktail tables and round tables in this space. With the $2,500 catering minimum, you will have the entire area for your private event.
Planet Hollywood’s upstairs patio, and several indoor spaces have been featured in the photos in this blog. These images came from a recent private event we hosted. They created a unique experience for all of our guests that was out of this world.
Photographer: Photolocity
DJ: FTC Weddings
Entertainment: RLE3 Music
Hair & Makeup: Beaute Speciale
Linens: Connie Duglin Linen
Flower Wall: Orlando Flower Walls
Gown: One and Only Bridal Boutique
Decor: Party People Events
Venue: Planet Hollywood Disney Springs / Earl Enterprise
Dessert: Sprinkles Cupcakes Disney Springs
Tuxedo: Perry Ellis
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