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
We are so excited to share with you this behind the scenes look at our recent I Said Yes! FL Wedding Magazine cover shoot. A group of really talented Central Florida wedding experts came together and made some beautiful art to grace our cover.
The location: The Maitland Art Center, Maitland’s own National Historic Landmark. The Art Center is one of the few surviving examples of “Mayan Revival” or fantasy architecture in the Southeast. In turn it is one of the main reasons it was named the first National Historic Landmark in the four-county area of Central Florida.
Amanda with For The Love of Events partnered with the photo and video team PB & J Studios. They worked closely to come up with the theme for this Summer/Fall wedding magazine cover shoot.
“The team was looking for an edgy boho concept, which is how the Art & History Museum came into the mix as our venue of choice.” said Amanda
Working with All Brides 2 Be to dress the brides and grooms was important to Amanda. They offer a one stop shop for wedding gowns and men’s attire. As well as size appropriate options that look beautiful on all types of brides.
Add in Laura Reynolds Artistry team of hair and make up experts and you’ve got a group of happy models.
To portray an edgier vibe the talented vendors involved incorporated specific elements that fit the look.
The colored floral from In Bloom Florist brought depth and beauty to the design. Additionally, the darker tablescape pieces from EventWorks added the perfect touches.
Morgan Hunter Desserts was able to match the design of the cake to the floral with ease. Cake designers are true artists!
The stationary and signage from Tortoise Designs provided a fun balance. The adorable earrings provided from Honeymoon Clay Co are perfect for any edgy bride on her wedding day.
Venue – Art and History Museum of Maitland
Photography + Videography – PB & J Studios
Planner – For The Love of Events
Gowns and Tuxedos – All Brides 2 Be
Floral – In Bloom Florist
Rentals – EventWorks
Hair and Makeup – Laura Reynolds Artistry Hair and Make Up
Linen – Over the Top Linens
Tapestry and Stationary – Tortoise Designs
Cake – Morgan Hunter Desserts
Earrings – Honeymoon Clay Co.
Shelby & Treavor knew as soon as they stepped foot on Bakers Ranch that they had found their dream venue. They chose to use this customizable space for the perfect rustic ranch romance themed event.
Teala and Lisa, the onsite wedding coordinators at Bakers Ranch were able to take this couple’s theme and truly bring it to life. Of course, weddings are always romantic. But this ranch brings it to a whole new level.
As we all know, outside ceremonies can be hit-or-miss during certain times of the year in Central Florida. Although it turned out to be a gloomy day weather wise, the rain held off through the entire ceremony.
“Saying “I do” in front of all of our closest friends and family was truly my favorite part of our wedding day,” said Shelby.
The beautiful wedding images taken by Kristen Marie Photography portrayed this day not as gloomy, but as full of light. It’s a great example of what a professional photographer can do in a state with unpredictable weather.
Shelby was honored to wear a family heirloom on their special day that belonged to Treavor’s mother. It had been almost ten years since since she passed. And being able to wear this item reminded them both that she was watching over them and blessing their union.
Venue: Bakers Ranch
Day of Coordinators: Teala and Lisa (Bakers Ranch)
Photographer: Kristen Marie Photography
Videographer: The Artistry Films
Hair and Make Up: Beauty by Krista
Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering
Cake: Alessi Bakery
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates
Florist: Boulous Flower Farm
Bartender: Hook Like and Drinker
Officiant: K.I.S.S. Weddings
Love is like wine, it gets better with age. And this winery themed styled shoot proves that to be true.
Typically, wedding planners organize wedding styled shoots. However, as a Central Florida wedding photographer, Kristine with Honeywood Photography was inspired to produce a styled shoot after visiting Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens.
Wineries and vineyards are not common in the Central Florida area. Therefore, Kristine wanted to spotlight this winery’s uniqueness as a Central Florida wedding venue. Her goal was to incorporate deep wine colors and hues within the cake, florals and styling in general.
“With any styled shoot, you have to gather together the right vendors to create the specific look and feel you’re going for. I wanted to put together a group of wedding experts that would incorporate that rich feeling of the winery,” said Kristine.
For hair and makeup, Kristine secured Tatiana Rivera of Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry. Having worked with GAD Artistry many times in the past Kristine knew that Tatiana could put together the look for the bride she wanted.
Lubelle’s Cakes was chosen for her amazing drip cake skills and stunning butter cream. A traditional 2-tiered cake that was slightly “naked” on top allowed for rich decorative copper drip detailing. Finally it was topped with blackberries and The Flower Studios’ roses and flowers. It beautifully mimicked the wine vibe of this shoot.
The Flower Studio created a gorgeous lush bouquet with wine inspired hued ribbons. Additionally they provided a floral piece for the wooden honeycomb ceremony arch. It had the perfect balance of pink and wine roses with plenty of greenery.
Luxe Wedding Wear dressed the bride in a spaghetti strap, lace and tulle wedding gown. So light and airy, it was ideal for this Florida winery wedding venue.
Kristine told us that her favorite part of the Island Grove styled shoot was photographing the models within the actual vineyards themselves.
“I know it sounds silly, but there were actual grapes on the vines! I’m not sure what I was expecting,” said Kristine.
The rows of vines lent themselves perfectly to wedding portraits. And what a treat it was to just have the option of being in a true vineyard in Central Florida. All of the details, from the arch, to the jewelry and flowers were chosen to play off of the winery feel. However, set in Florida, it feels very different from wineries up north and out west.
If you are currently looking for your wedding venue, spend the day at the Island Grove Winery. Make a reservation to eat their delicious food and set up a wine tasting. Their wines are delicious! Kristine admitted that she may have bought several bottles of their house wines on her way out.
We completely agree with Kristine, love is like wine. Cheers!
Venue: Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens
Photographer: Honeywood Photography
Hair/Makeup: Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry
Floral: The Flower Studio
Dress/Accessories: Luxe Wedding Wear
Cake: Lubelle’s Cakes
Tux: Any Tux 45 Bucks
Madeline & Drew’s big day was truly special for them. They felt extremely lucky to be surrounded by their closest family and friends for their Vintage Bohemian Vibes themed wedding.
The happy couple toured their fair share of venues. But ultimately fell in love with Magnolia Manor for its charming romantic and rustic feel.
Magnolia Manor also allowed Madeline and Drew to bring in and work with the wedding pros of their choice. That was very important to them since they wanted to customize their wedding day. Additionally making it their own and bringing their vision to life.
To create their Vintage Bohemian Vibes romantic day they worked with Magnolia Manor’s Wedding coordinator Lauren. She could truly see their vision and was able to help them bring it to life.
Their outdoor ceremony was complete with a cellist and violinist playing throughout the ceremony and cocktail hour.
Madeline wore a belle sleeved, lace, A-line wedding dress, complete with beautifully beach waved hair and a stunning jeweled floral crown.
Drew wore a stand out printed suit, which perfectly matched their wedding day feel. Meanwhile it was a seamless match to Madeline’s wedding day look.
The wedding party also lent a hand in creating the romantic, bohemian, vintage atmosphere with the bridesmaids in an array of burnt oranges, cranberry and blush tones and the groomsmen in camel colored slacks, suspenders and bow ties!
Madeline described walking down the aisle with her father as a moment where time froze. She saw so many of their friends from different stages and times in her life. She saw beloved family who had come from all over to be there. It solidified what was most important for Madeline and Drew on their wedding day. Sharing it with the ones they love.
There was one stand out surprise that Madeline will always remember. Drew surprised his bride during the ceremony with his mother’s wedding band. Talk about the ultimate romantic touch to any wedding! How incredibly special to have a wedding band passed down to the next generation.
Delicious BBQ was served for dinner, along with a gorgeous semi-naked wedding cake with a wooden logo topper and fresh flowers.
Then, it was onto dancing the night away. Their DJ who is also a friend of the bride and groom knew just how to get everyone on the dance floor.
Guests enjoyed a bonfire pit and s’mores stations. Even the wedding photographer Josie Brooks was smitten!
To top off what Madeline describes as “truly the best day ever”, was their romantic sparkler exit. It was coordinated to complete their evening and send Madeline + Drew off in sparkly lights, similar to the glow that surrounded them naturally all day and night!
Venue: The Magnolia Manor
Photographer: Josie Brooks Photography
Hair and Make Up: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Décor: Ocean Hawks Rentals
Drapes: Kay & L Draperies
Cake: The Cake Lady Custom Cakes
Catering: The Flavored Fork Catering
Florist: Lara’s Themes
Bar: Proof Cocktail and Catering Co.
Sara and Noah knew they wanted to have all of their friends and family at their wedding. But they also knew they wanted their wedding to be safe for their guests. So they contacted Tammy with Special Moments Event Planning and she knew just how to help.
Tammy has become a local wedding expert when it comes to dealing with what some are calling a “new normal”. She has continued to urge her couples to postpone and not cancel their wedding.
If you choose not to postpone, there are ways to safely accomplish this goal. For example, having a smaller socially distanced celebration can be done… and done well!
The Special Moments Event Planning team worked with the couple, their wedding venues, and their vendors to ensure everyone remained safe.
A few of the church volunteers provided temperature checks for everyone and set up socially distant seating. Next, the planning team provided pew numbers and assigned seating for all of the wedding guests and provided masks and hand sanitizer.
Finally, their wedding reception took advantage of the venue’s outdoor spaces and kept reception tables six feet apart. Furthermore, guests were reminded to keep socially distant.
Taking fun photos by the water on Bayshore Boulevard was one of the highlights of Sara and Noah’s big day. And once they saw the IN THIS 2GETHER sign they knew it was the perfect reminder that forming their union really was the most important part of the day.
Sara and Noah had their happily ever after. It was socially distanced and completely wonderful.
Planning: Special Moments Event Planning
Ceremony: St John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Reception: Tampa Garden Club
Hair and Makeup: The Destiny and Light – Hair and Makeup Group
Photography: Jason Angelini Photography
Floral: Wonderful Floral Art and Gift Loft
Catering: Spotlight Catering
Bakery: Publix
DJ: Alex Roy Events
Rentals / Uplights / Draping: On The Move Productions
We know Jessica well, not only as a bride, but also as a fellow wedding expert. We were so happy to see her wedding turned out just as beautiful as she is. Sharing it with you today was truly an honor.
Jessica told us, “It didn’t hit me until the morning I was getting my hair & makeup done that I was getting married. Maybe because I lost my voice that morning and I was so focused on that. But then I received Jose’s wedding gift in my ready room. It was a frame of star maps that show the unique alignment of the stars the day he asked me to be his girlfriend. I cried so much afterwards!”
Jessica walked down the stairs of the Howey Mansion with her father to the ceremony and was a nervous wreck. Her nerves completely settled down when she got close enough to see José tearing up.
“He never cries!” said Jessica.
Once they were officially married, their weddings photos were next. Which were accompanied by some love bugs who loved her dress.
Next up was the reception, which Jessica described as magical. Her favorite moment was when her father was dancing just to make everyone laugh.
“It was my favorite moment!”, said Jessica.
Jessica is originally from France. So imagine her delight when her two best friends and most of her family were in attendance. Her special guests making such a long trip only made this big day ever more special.
Caterer- Arthur’s Catering
Photographer- Monica Grace Photography
Videographer- Rhodes Studios
Day of Coordinator- Blush by Brandee Gaar
Venue- The Howey Mansion
Seating Chart/Welcome Sign- Two Peas Paper Co
Hair & Makeup- Kristy’s Artistry Design Team
Cake- Le Petit Sweet
Stationery- Brittney’s Baubles
Wedding Gown- The Bridal Finery
Groom’s Suit- Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant- Sensational Ceremonies Lon Tosi
Floral Design- Bluegrass Chic
Chargers- A Chair Affair
Linens- Over the Top
Styled shoots are a big part of the Florida wedding industry. As a result, creative vendors team up and put their expertise to work. That’s why we’re so excited to share this Modern Day Marie Antoinette Styled Shoot.
The shoot was set at the Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This 20-room European-style mansion was the perfect location. Likewise, it mirrored the days when Marie Antoinette and her ladies in waiting spent their time lounging about, just being beautiful.
Jolie Colon of i do events and party rentals was inspired by the series “Versailles.” She fell in love with the fashion and lifestyle. As a result, Colon wanted to showcase this era, updating the look for modern day couples.
First came hair and makeup by the team at Laura Reynolds Artistry. They recreated the beautiful up-dos of the era. Also, the team added pale face makeup and beauty marks. After that, jewelry, headpieces and jeweled masks were provided by Panther’s Gallery, a Orlando-based artist and jewelry designer.
“Creating the ballroom scene was fun. It brought out the creativity of our wedding vendors,” said Colon.
Le Fleur Atelier hung a vintage frame with greenery over the fireplace. Then they spread flowers throughout the space. In addition, Bakers Cottage Cakes covered the table setup with decadent sweets.
Meanwhile, the beautiful models were fitted with gorgeous ball gowns by Isabella Talya. After that, they lounged on a vintage loveseat by Xclusive Rentals.
Finally, the day ended with a masquerade ball. Each lady wore custom designed jeweled masks. It was a perfect ending to this modern day Marie Antoinette styled shoot.
Photography: Captured by Elle
Videography: Elmwood Forest Production
Venue: The Howey Mansion
Planning/Table Top Rentals: i do events and party rentals
Floral: Le Fleur Atelier
Cakes and Goodies: Bakers Cottage Cakes
Dresses: Something New Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Furniture Rental: Xclusive Rentals
Stationary/Calligraphy: Two Peas Design
Jewelry: Panther’s Gallery
Designer Paper Cones – @doloresylolitaus
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