Wonderful Weddings

Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel - A Great Spot for a Destination Wedding

2009-09-30T13:09:00.004-04:00

I grew up in the southern part of Michigan; but my parents weren’t “vacationers” so I never visited the area of the state called Mackinac Island. Over the years I had heard and read much about the location and discovered that the 1979 film “Somewhere in Time” (starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour) was filmed there. After doing research for a bride who was seeking a destination where it could be cool in the summer and near water, I delved into learning more about this location that has literally stopped “somewhere in time.” It intrigued me so much that my husband and I chose to visit the island and the Grand Hotel for our vacation in August. We flew from Detroit to Pelston, Michigan where the airport there has only one gate! Then we took a taxi via the Wolverine Stage Coach Company (it wasn’t really a stage coach!) to Mackinac City to the ferry dock. Then we took the Arnold Ferry from the ferry dock to the dock on Mackinac Island and then a horse and carriage to the hotel! The Grand Hotel was built in 1887 in only 93 days! Can you imagine that all the building materials had to be brought over on the ferry and then transported to the building site by horse and carriage. There are no motorized vehicles on the island except ambulances and fire trucks, neither of which did we see or hear while there. It was refreshing to not see any cars for several days. Everyone either walks, rides a bike or takes a horse and carriage. All produce and supplies come by ferry to the island. Because of the severe weather in the winter and the island’s location between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the hotels close in October and re-open in May. All the flowers are replanted each year! Here are some photos of our time there. And while we stayed at the hotel, we saw the movie! We had to dress formally for dinner each night. We rented bikes one day and rode the circumference of the island (only 8 miles!) and the best part was that the temperature never broke 70 during our entire visit! You’ll note in the photos that we have long sleeves and are often wearing jackets! How lovely it was to have that break from our sweltering Florida heat!

An Event Somewhat Different for Wonderful Weddings at Orlando Marriott at Lake Mary!

2009-09-19T12:13:00.003-04:00

Last fall I received a call from Kathy Brown whose wedding we did in April of 2002. Her wedding took place at Winter Park Presbyterian Church and the Country Club of Orlando. Kathy shared with me that she would be turning 50 in September of 2009. Her husband Gary said he wanted to throw her a party but he knew that she could put it together much better herself! She called upon Wonderful Weddings to create her “dream team!” Kathy chose a ‘70’s theme for her party. So on Saturday, September 19, 2009 we went back in time at the Orlando Marriott at Lake Mary!

Kathy wanted go-go dancers, disco balls, lava lamps, guests dressed in clothes from that era, 70’s music and her biggest request was a life-size ice sculpture of John Travolta in his famous Saturday Night Fever pose! And what Kathy wanted, Kathy got! The magic makers from Flourish, Brian Joyce and Richard Streitler, converted the hotel ballroom into Studio 50! Gary Stephens, one of the guys from Wings of Sound, the band that performed for Kathy’s party (and who also played at her wedding), acted the part of the bouncer—you see he did that very well! And you can also see that the guests were really into the appropriate clothing. The vintage stores in town—Dechoes and Orlando Vintage—saw a brisk business during the weeks leading up to Kathy’s party! The Orlando Marriott provided fabulous food and beverages for the guests, Sky Osborne from Perfect Sky Productions acted the part of “Stan Danger” and interviewed all the guests during the cocktail hour and then edited everything together to show towards the end of the evening. Fun photos were snapped by guests in Dane Koller’s Photo Magic photo booth; professional photos (those you see here) were shot by Ricardo deVengoechea. We all received a glowing email from Kathy thanking us for the event: “Hello, to my Dream Team! I have received so many emails, pictures and thank-you’s from all that attended. It was so great to see everyone get into the mood and boogie down. This could not have happened without all of you coming together and working as a group to see my vision come together. Turning 50 has been so awesome because of you! Thanks for all your hard work!” And onto the next event in this family—Kathy’s daughter’s wedding on October 17th at her home! Will blog about that next month.

Wonderful Weddings and Casa Feliz Launch the Golden Ticket - A Perfect Marriage!

2009-09-16T13:02:00.007-04:00

In an effort to streamline the weddings at Casa Feliz, Wonderful Weddings created a special ensemble package for brides that offers them the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars on their weddings while at the same time having access to some of Central Florida’s finest wedding vendors!

The rules are simple: The bride selects from a list of required providers (the required categories are caterer, coordinator, florist, photographer and DJ). She may also select from a list of preferred providers (the preferred categories are invitations and other printing, celebrants, ceremony musicians, videographer and wedding cake). The bride will receive a 10 percent discount on whatever package or level of service or total costing she chooses with the individual vendors. And she will also receive a 10 percent discount on the rental of Casa Feliz! Once the bride has agreed to the rules, she will be provided her “Golden Ticket” which she will present to each vendor to receive the discounts.

The following vendors are participating in the Golden Ticket ensemble. Required providers are: Wonderful Weddings, Fairbanks Florist, Flourish Floral Productions, Lee Forrest Design, Fun Factory DJ, Celebration Expert, Weddings Only DJ, Brian Adams Photographics, Cristy Nielsen Photography, Pilster Photography, Sterling International, Sunshine Photographics, and Works of Art Photography. Preferred providers are: Maureen H. Hall Stationery, Pearl Beach Paperie, The Paper Shop, Chaplain George Geans, Reverend Kevin Knox, Beautiful Music, Don Soledad Music, Raintree Chamber Players, Perfect Sky Productions, Pro One Video, Bake Me A Cake, Frosting on the Cake, and Party Flavors.

Brides who are interested can either contact Melissa Burtram at Casa Feliz, Melissa@arthurscatering.com or Wonderful Weddings at idoforyou@aol.com.

Two Anniversaries Celebrated at Norman's - Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes

2009-08-08T12:40:00.003-04:00

While attending another event in June at Norman’s Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, I learned about a special dinner party that would be held on August 8, 2009 to celebrate the restaurant’s six years in business at the hotel. The theme of the event was A Night in Havana. Coincidentally, August 8th is also my wedding anniversary so we decided to attend the event to celebrate. The theme of the event was carried through with cigar rollers (which my husband loved!), mojitos, Latin-inspired cuisine and music from the Margarita Men. There was also a silent auction taking place to raise funds for The Wounded Warriors. Here are some photos of the event; take note that Chef Norman Von Aiken has talents that are carried beyond the kitchen!

The following day we attended the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues at Downtown Disney. Here’s a photo of me outside the venue; unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photographs inside. The food was very good and plentiful and the gospel singers shook the roof!

Orlando Chapter of ISES 2009 WOW Awards

2009-07-17T12:30:00.004-04:00

My industry friends Brian Joyce and Richard Streitler of Flourish Floral Productions earlier this year urged me to join ISES, the International Society of Event Specialists. They said it would be an opportunity for me to meet some vendors on the corporate side of the event industry. Richard was Historian and also chairman of the WOW Awards Committee. The WOW Awards had taken place once before several years ago and the chapter decided it was time to reprise them.

We worked fast and diligently beginning in late spring with Friday, July 17th chosen as the night of the gala at which the awards would be given and celebrated. Brian and Richard urged me to enter two of my events which I did: one was submitted for Best Event Planner and the other was for Best Team Effort. Organizing all the paperwork for submission was a monumental job—there were specific questions that needed to be answered about challenges surrounding the event, etc. And the submission needed to be succinct yet carry the ability to grab the attention of the judges.

I learned in June that I was nominated for both submissions; it was great to have made it this far but of course everyone wants to win! The event was held at the Orlando Marriott World Center with many vendor sponsors to include those for décor, lighting, production, floral, entertainment, etc. It included lots of entertainment—The String Angels and a man who created sand designs projected onto a screen. There was a lovely four-course dinner followed with the conclusion of the evening wrapping up with an after-party. But the best part was the awards!

I am happy to report that Wonderful Weddings did win Best Team Effort! My co-entrants were Arthur’s Catering and Flourish Floral Productions. The submission was “The Wedding as Art”—the wedding of Tara Cockman and Bo Clayton who were married in June of 2008 at St. Luke’s Cathedral followed by a reception at Orlando Museum of Art. The bride’s Mom is an artist and the bride was studying art so art was the theme of the event. It was such a great feeling to hear our names called and go up on stage to accept the award. We were asked to prepare speeches and so I did so—it was short and sweet and I was happy to share this with my industry friends. All I can say is WOW!

Photos: Christie's Photographic Studios

Three Beautiful Brides at the Country Club of Orlando

2009-04-04T12:15:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, April 4, 2009, Mari Hansen married Kevin Ball at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando followed by a reception at the Country Club of Orlando. What made this particular wedding special for Wonderful Weddings is that two former brides were guests at this wedding as well as their grooms—Kelsey and Chas Crofoot and Lauren and Bo Schneider. Here is a photo of me with Mari, Kelsey and Lauren—aren’t they beautiful? When I saw Kelsey in the narthex of the church, she said she and Chas had been working in the yard earlier in the day and Chas hurt his finger and that they were out of band-aids. Chas was quick to point out that he could probably get one from me at the wedding because he knew I would have my emergency kit! Following are some photos from Mari’s wedding; I especially like the one of me with the groom, the groomsmen and the two Dads—I must have been giving them some serious information as they are all so attentive! And here are some beautiful photos of Mari who looks like she could be a model for the cover of a bridal magazine! Jeff Hawkins of Jeff Hawkins Photography took these images and the guests danced the night away to Derek and the Slammers.

2008-12-17T11:28:00.006-05:00

Last evening I hosted our annual Wonderful Weddings Holiday party. Each year I select a "festive" shirt and send them to the girls as part of their "invitation" (you might recognize this shirt from the previous blog!). We have grown to seven now including our two apprentices. We had a fabulous evening and the weather was perfect as we dined outside on our new front terrace (not finished yet but we're getting there!). Much of the decor was provided by Brian and Richard from Flourish Productions. And they even sent over David, one of their staff, to act as server. He made us feel special as if we were dining in a five-star restaurant!

I hope that everyone has a fabulous holiday and all the best in 2009!

A Family Thanksgiving Tradition ... and A Great Place for a Destination Wedding!

2008-12-10T15:08:00.007-05:00

My husband Brooks is an architect and for many years I had heard him speak about the town of Seaside located in the Panhandle of Florida. He showed me some photos and it looked so lovely. So in 1997 when all other family members had other plans for Thanksgiving, we rented a small cottage and spent most of the week of Thanksgiving there. Brooks tooks many, many photographs of the houses and the pavillions and of course the beautiful white sand beach, blue water and magnificent sunsets. The following year we asked our grown daughters if they would like to join us and thus, it has become a Weiss family tradition to spend the week of Thanksgiving in Seaside! Over the years, the family of course has gotten larger so we've had to rent a bigger house! And our friends and family who receive our Christmas cards with the photos from Seaside on it always comment on how big everyone has gotten! At one point, there was only one grandchild in the photos--now there are three! Here are some photos of our time at Seaside.

Seaside has a great wedding department which I met with back in 2004. If you go to the Seaside web site and click on weddings, you can reach them. They are very accommodating and have a comprehensive list of locations and vendors.

Best Holiday Wishes to everyone and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

A Birthday Brunch with Good Friends at La Coquina!

2008-10-13T17:26:00.005-04:00

A week ago Sunday my husband and I were invited to help Richard Streitler celebrate a "significant" birthday! Brian Joyce, his partner, put together this special birthday event! We have had dinner at La Coquina before at the Hyatt Grand Cypress but have never experienced this fabulous Sunday brunch! It takes place in the kitchen but it's not a kitchen the likes of which you've seen before! A few photos of the food were taken by my husband Brooks before we got busted (they don't like guests taking photos!). The champagne flowed freely for over two hours and I must admit, we did go back for more several times--we surely did not want to miss anything! Brian and Richard are proprietors of Flourish Productions and Brooks and I are charmed that they included us for this special celebration! Our server, Maria, has been with the hotel for 21 years--she told us that the hotel will soon be undergoing a big renovation. After brunch we went out onto the patio area so that Brooks could smoke a cigar! It was just too nice of an atmosphere to leave! What a nice way to spend Sunday ... with good friends, good food and good champagne!

Puff 'n Stuff Event

2008-09-16T13:28:00.007-04:00

I was honored to be invited to a lovely client-oriented event hosted by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering which was held last night at The Ballroom at Church Street. I have known the folks at Puff ‘n Stuff for a very long time—they catered my oldest daughter’s wedding in 1988! The premise of the event was of course to showcase their fabulous cuisine but also to portray to their brides how an event could look at the venue. In the atrium area at check-in I was happy to see Chris Chan playing the piano. I have known Chris a long time—he is certainly one of the finest performers around! I had the opportunity to chat with Heidi Brice and Mary Brumley and Sandy George and Ralph Rendsland, all familiar staffers with Puff ‘n Stuff. But I also met Shira Smith and Bonnie Ell. Art Faulkner of Works of Art Photography was documenting the event. Art is also another long-time industry friend and many thanks to him for the photos included here! The space was divided into three segments with cuisine and décor to complement each. The Asian foods were complemented by the edgy florals displayed by Lana Pelham-Faulkner of Fairbanks Florist. The reds and blacks of the linens and the flowers Lana used were quite spectacular! It was a nostalgic evening for sure. Lana was one of the very first vendors I met back in 1989, the year that Wonderful Weddings was established. And I met Art not long after that. Art and Lana were recently married at Casa Feliz on July 19th of this year! I also chatted with the ladies from Kroma Makeup Studio. They told me about their recent re-location to Maitland. Out front was parked a beautiful 1965 Rolls Royce owned by Barbara and Simon White of VIP Transportation Group. They happened to leave about the same time I did so I got to follow behind them—what a beautiful car! Puff ‘n Stuff, thanks for including me as a guest at this beautiful event!

Meet Our Newest Apprentice Galyna!

2008-09-13T13:28:00.005-04:00

We recently enrolled our second candidate in our Suddenly I See Apprentice Program! Galyna Saltkovska learned about our program in the Fall/Winter issue of Central Florida Bride Magazine. Galyna was born in Russia and came to the United States about six years ago. She has a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Management and a Masters in Production Management from the Institute of Economy and Management College in Simferopol, Ukraine. Galyna has worked in the hospitality industry in Central Florida for Vinelli Catering and Hard Rock Café. She also works part time as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Blue Lake Academy in Eustis. And if all of this doesn’t keep her busy enough, she also owns and operates TWR Private Limousines, Inc. which she established with her husband Paul Chaples in June 2007. Their fleet serves Central Florida, including Orlando, Tampa and Daytona. Galyna and Paul have a six-year old daughter who is quite talented as a gymnast!

“My Dad was an event organizer; therefore, I was surrounded by a family that loved throwing the best parties. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to be able to help plan parties that would be unique. With this career choice of wedding planning, my mind can be opened wide with no restrictions.”

Galyna has chosen a late spring 2009 wedding and an early fall 2009 wedding as the two events for her apprentice program. Galyna, welcome to Wonderful Weddings!

Wings of Sound - Alive After Five Event

2008-09-12T13:28:00.009-04:00

Last night I attended Sanford’s “Downtown Motown” street party. This is the monthly “Alive After Five” event sponsored by the City of Sanford and the Historic Welcome Center. Kim House, who owns and operates (along with her husband Pete) Riverhouse Pottery Art Gallery and Gift Shop and who also is vice president of the Board of Directors for the Historic Welcome Center, contacted me back in August to inquire about the availability of Wings of Sound to perform for the event. Not everyone knows that in addition to my position as owner and operator of Wonderful Weddings, I have also been the manager of this fabulous band since 2001. I met them in 1992 when one of my clients had already booked them for her wedding; once I heard them they immediately became a favorite! And when they asked me to assume their manager position, I did so without hesitation. The mobile stage on which the band performed was provided by Bill Heard Chevrolet and it was rocking for nearly three hours! The weather remained a question for the event but at around 3:30 the rain stopped and a beautiful blue sky was visible. A light breeze, the food, the art and of course the lively music literally had everyone “Dancin’ in the Street!” I handed out lots of cards last night. One woman was ready to book them to perform at her 60th birthday party … which is not for five years! And Kim House told me that she would love to have the band back same time next year! Thanks, band members John Brown, Dian Kelly (aka Aretha Franklin at Mel’s Diner at Universal Studios!), Don Pittman, Walt Hubbard, Jeff Green, Gary Stephens, Gary Listort, Eddie Marshall and Steve Sinkiewicz for adding the perfect element to “Downtown Motown!”

The Knot Market Thank You Party

2008-09-12T12:15:00.008-04:00

On Wednesday evening, Lynn Porter, our apprentice and I attended the 2008 The Knot Market thank-you party. It was held at Ceviche Restaurant on Church Street—the location many of you will remember as Apple Annie’s and the North Parlour of the former Church Street Station. It was a great opportunity for me to introduce Lynn to lots of vendors in the industry. The party was very well attended and the food and entertainment provided by Power Entertainment were great. In addition to the tapas food served by the restaurant, Lynn and I especially enjoyed the cupcakes provided by Sweet By Good Golly Miss Holly. One of the guests who Lynn and I had just met, Helene Picard from Hair Connoisseurs, admitted she had eaten four! Lynn and I spent the evening mingling with lots of my friends in the industry and I made every effort to make sure she could meet as many as possible! We chatted with Barbara and Simon White from VIP Transportation Group, Darrin Shifrel from Fun Factory DJ (and Darrin has now also started a rental company, Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals), Ellen Prague (sporting a new hair cut!) and Barbara DiFlumari from The Paper Shop, Michele Butler from Just Marry!, Lisa Konecny from E Events (great dress and new hair cut for you too, Lisa!), Jeffrey Stoner from Jeffrey Stoner Video Productions, Nerissa Wachter from the Villas of Grand Cypress, David Basher from A Magic Moment, Heidi Brice from Puff ‘n Stuff Catering (Lynn has actually already had the opportunity to work with Heidi at one of our recent weddings at Orlando Museum of Art), Amy Pryor from The Orange County History Center, Molly Abel and Jaime Ledet from The Citrus Club, Lisa New from BBJ Linen and Brian Joyce from Flourish Floral Productions, as well as Tommy Murphy from Greenery Productions. Michael Fabiani of Above and Beyond Entertainment took us under his wing and made sure that Lynn and I always had a fresh drink. Thanks, Michael! I told Lynn that when wedding professionals have the opportunity to get together, they really know how to party! A quick look at my calendar tells me that there are three more parties on tap for September so watch for upcoming posts! Enjoy some photos of everyone having fun Wednesday night—thanks, Brian Adams, for sharing these!

The Next in our Fall Series of "Lunch and Learn" Events

2008-09-03T14:34:00.004-04:00

Today I hosted a luncheon with Schuyler Osborne of Perfect Sky Productions, a wedding videography company. The menu included two new recipes which Sky was brave enough to serve as my "guinea pig" for..... Pecan-Parmesan Pork with Port Sauce, and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. I first worked with Sky on a wedding in October of 2006 and since that time we have worked together on several occasions. He established his business in 1999. Prior to that, he wanted to use his degree in Film Production from UCF to pursue independent film production. Sky's philosophy about videography and its relationship to the bride and her wedding is that video should be "cinematic and compelling, creating drama, mood, and style." According to Sky, "No other medium will document this incredible day better than video." Sky is married, has a daughter and son, and lives in Winter Park.

"Lunch and Learn" Events

2008-08-26T13:48:00.006-04:00

Earlier this month, I hosted a luncheon, along with Brian Joyce from Flourish Floral Productions, for our guest Melissa Burtram of Arthur's Catering. Melissa is responsible for all event bookings at Casa Feliz. The management of both Arthur's and Casa Feliz has made it easy now for clients to organize their events at the historic home. Melissa gives a tour and then sits down with the client to assist with menu selection. How simple is that? This luncheon is part of an ongoing process of meeting new vendors, providing them with a tasty lunch and sharing with the guest what Wonderful Weddings is all about. Next month we have planned two more of these "Lunch and Learn" events; details to come in a future blog entry!

"Keepin' It Downtown" Luncheon

2008-08-26T13:31:00.005-04:00

Today I attended the Citrus Club's monthly "Keepin' It Downtown" luncheon. The catering directors there, Melba Will and Molly Abel, organized this monthly soiree several years ago to include all venues that are in the downtown area. This way, the downtown venues can network amongst themselves and help each other out if they can't accommodate a prospective client but have the ability to send business to other industry "buddies." In attendance today were Char Midkiff of the Downtown Development Board, who shared some great information about the September 4th "What's Up Downtown" event at the Stirling Sotheby's Global Gallery, Amy Pryor and Brittany Andrews of the Orange County Regional History Center, Amy Kane of the Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown, Stephanie Floriani of the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

The Citrus Club is always kind to extend an invitation to Wonderful Weddings for these monthly events, and it's a nice opportunity to chat with all of the folks from the various venues. And of course, to dine on the fabulous Citrus Club cuisine for which the Club is so noted!

Our First Apprentice!

2008-08-26T13:08:00.013-04:00

Wonderful Weddings welcomes our first apprentice candidate - Lynn Porter! Lynn owns and operates Jarboe, Inc., a fine ladies' apparel boutique in the quaint Ivanhoe Row District near Downtown Orlando. I have shopped at Lynn's store before (buying "work clothes" to wear for weddings!) and during a shopping visit back in November of 2007, I mentioned our apprentice program to Lynn. In mid-summer of 2008, she contacted me and in early August she began her apprenticeship with us.

Lynn received a degree in fashion design from Bauder College in Fort Lauderdale. She worked in corporate fashion for 11 years but had a true desire to work in a more personal atmosphere. She began working at Jarboe, a fine ladies' boutique, as a sales consultant; after several years there, the owner wanted to start her family so she sold the business to Lynn. Jarboe's apparel line appeals to a variety of tastes and in addition to clothing, she carries trendy footwear and one-of-a-kind jewelry. She provides personal shopping and works with clients one on one to develop a wardrobe that resembles their own personal lifestyle.

Lynn has already completed a portion of the apprentice program, having worked with us for the Wonderful Wedding of Kristin Dolson and Dieter Hinrichs on August 9, 2008. The wedding ceremony was held at Knowles Memorial Chapel and the guests partied until midnight at Orlando Museum of Art. Rinat Halon of Halon Photography documented the entire day that Lynn worked with us. Lynn has sat in on several meetings as part of her program, most recently at the Citrus Club for a November 2008 wedding. The next wedding she will work with us will be on October 11, 2008 at Casa Feliz.

Lynn was recently married herself on March 24, 2007. Her wedding and reception took place at Maitland Art Center and the reception was catered by Arthur's Catering with a beautiful cake provided by Bake Me A Cake.

Lynn enrolled in the Suddenly I See apprentice program because she feels it would be a value-added component to her shop to assist brides and Moms with their wedding plans (and provide them with the hottest clothes to wear during those months of planning!). In her words, "I believe joining Susie Weiss and her team with the Wonderful Weddings 'Suddenly I See' apprenticeship program will only enhance my strengths and make me a well rounded wedding planner."

We are happy to have Lynn as a part of the Wonderful Weddings family!

Recent Q&A Session with Jeff Stoner

2008-08-13T13:10:00.002-04:00

Recently, Susie had the pleasure of being a participant in Jeffrey Stoner's fun and random "Q & A" video series! Click here to watch their latest collaboration.

Wonderful Weddings New Blog

2008-08-13T11:28:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our first Blog post! We are excited to join this virtual world that has become such an integral part of the wedding related community. We're looking forward to discussing our latest project - "Suddenly I See," a new apprentice program we have designed and recently launched! We also plan to showcase a "Featured Wedding" on a regular basis, discuss recent and upcoming industry events, and highlight our special relationships with other area wedding vendors. Please check back on a regular basis for new photos, journal entries, and links!