 I sat down to interview owner, Lynn Rhein to get her thoughts on all things cake. So here is a little Q & A for your Monday! How many years in business: Since 2006... so over 12 years!  Where did you learn to your talent: The Culinary Institute of America and practice, practice! What's trending currently: Golds & Metallics, Ombre, Naked Cakes, textured buttercream & Cupcake Displays.  Most popular flavors: Vanilla Strawberry , Chocolate Peanut Butter and Lemon Raspberry Most popular size & shape: 3- Tiered (12" 9" 6") and Round  What should a bride expect or bring to a consult: The bride can expect my full attention and suggestions, based upon hearing what they envision. I provide a tasting of cake flavors & fillings as well. A bride should bring her color swatches and any available cake inspiration photos. I highly recommend bringing photos that provide different elements you would like incorporated into your wedding cake…. gives me a ‘feel’ for the design you’d like. Average cake price range: Pricing does depend on size, design, flavors and icing selections, however most cakes I create fall into the $300-$600 range.  How many wedding cakes did you create last year: I average about 2-4 a weekend….plus cakes for other occasions- birthdays, showers, etc. I am blessed to be busy! How many flavors, fillings & icing options do you offer: I offer probably 20 cake flavors with a wide variety of fillings. I can use either buttercream or fondant icing.  Delivery range: We will deliver from Tampa to Naples. Local delivery (Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda & North Port) is typically $25-$45. Further distance wedding venues can range up to $100. Rental items available: We have a variety of cake stands in gold & silver as well as cupcake stands.  Thoughts on cake toppers: Brides are definitely not using the traditional bride and groom anymore. I am seeing a lot of monograms, Mr. & Mrs., and lots of custom toppers from Etsy!!  Advice for the brides:
- We do not recommend buttercream for outdoor venues unless it's winter time. Fondant will hold up better in the Florida heat. - Don't be afraid to personalize your cake. - Trust the professional- We can visualize your cake from day one. - Keep in mind that a majority of venues have a cake cutting fee… better to know in advance. How can a bride reach you: They can give me a call at 941-629-2211 or shoot me an email at [email protected]. I also have a Facebook page (Cake Concepts) that they can send me a message!
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 When & where did you get married? We got married August 7, 2014 at the Louise DuPont Crowninshield House on Boca Grande in Lee County, Florida  Is there any significance to your date/venue? We chose the 7th, which was a Thursday because the number 7 is my favorite number... we chose the location for the beautiful exposed beam, wood floors, and chandeliers in the Louise DuPont House. We had originally planned to have the ceremony outside under the beautiful Banyan trees on Banyan street, but Florida's unpredictable summer weather brought us indoors.  Tell us about your gown: My gown was actually a floor sample from Jeannine's a Fort Myers Bridal Boutique. We got married with only 5 months of planning, so it makes your options for a gown limited. Thankfully, I only had to try on 3 dresses to find mine. I wanted a simple and elegant feel and I wanted champagne or ivory as opposed to white. I found it all!  Describe your man: My man... is it cliche to say he's perfect for me? He truly is my "help-meet." He is kind, fun loving, and outgoing. He helps me to be a better person. He forces me to stop and breathe, to enjoy moments instead of stressing over them. He is my good natured better half. I am thankful, everyday that I get to do life with him. He's good looking too, which doesn't hurt!  What traditions did you incorporate into your wedding day? I don't know if we incorporated any traditions into our wedding, but we each had children from a previous relationship and we made them a part of our wedding. They had their own "vows" that involved a commitment to us as a family. I did have all the elements of the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" however with all the stress of the day, I may have forgotten to put on the old and borrowed portions.  Favorite moment of your day? My favorite wedding moment. Honestly, the whole day was amazing. When people say it goes too fast, it really is true. I think I had two favorite moments though; the first being, I was overall so excited about marrying the man of my dreams, that I did not even look in a mirror before I was about to walk down the isle. I realized I had no idea what I looked like and my bridesmaids had to search the place for a full length mirror. Knowing that I cared more about the commitment I was about to make than my appearance was actually a pretty comforting experience. For me though, THE moment of the day, was listening to my husband recite the vows that he had written for me. That feeling, was indescribable.  Describe your flowers for us: My flowers were a show stopper! Marie of Port Charlotte Florist is so talented. I explained my vision of simplicity and romantic elegance and she made it happen! We had tons of pale pink and cream roses, lilies, hydrangeas and beautiful greenery. She created a breathtaking spray for the mantle that we stood in front of as we said our vows. My girls and I carried hand tied bouquets. The tables were arranged with mercury glass, candles, and bud vase style stems. I could not have asked for anything better.  Describe your day in one sentence? In one sentence, my day was perfectly intimate, filled with family and love where I was able to make a life long commitment to my best friend.  Best advice for a bride to be?
At the end of the day, you will be married; joined with God to the person that is to be yours forever. If you focus on that, everything else falls into perspective.  Adam Opris Photography This highly demanded rustic ranch has been the premier spot for barn weddings in Charlotte County. Nested among the oak trees out Bermont Road in Punta Gorda, Florida is this week’s Vendor of the Week- Cypress M. Ranch. I sat down with the owner, Lisa MacArthur, who is currently booking weddings for 2019 to learn a little more about her gem of a property.  Tell me a little history about Cypress M. Ranch? Cypress M. Ranch has been here for 14 years as a horse ranch and currently in its fourth wedding season.  Limilu Photography What is your wedding season? We run weddings every weekend from October through May 1st. What is included in the wedding rental? Full use of the grounds, the barn, the bridal suite, the cowboy quarters, the kitchen, 2 restrooms, parking location and staff including trash removal and bomb fire prep. 3 hours for rehearsal and set up the day before. All day from 9 am to midnight on the day of the event and 2 hours the following day for pick up and clean up.  What are the ceremony location options? The couple can choose between the 2 different pasture locations, under the oak trees or in front of the barn.  Limilu Photography What are some additional benefits to the ranch? We have bistro lighting around the property built right in. There are restrooms on site so you do not have to rent any and we have a brand new full kitchen. The barn also has drop down sides to help with rain and wind. For various fees, brides and/or grooms can ride in on a horse or we can also get the horse and carriage. We also have swamp buggies as well for grand entrances.  Tell me about the bridal cabin? It is an all wood loft cabin with a bed, full bath, refrigerator, seating area and prep area for bridal hair and makeup. Designed completely country chic with a chandelier and all.  Apple Video & Photography Tell me about the new cowboy quarters? Designed with the guys in mind the cowboy quarters has a bar, lounge furniture and rocking chairs in an enclosed air conditioned environment. Tell me about your new kitchen area? The new kitchen area has all stainless steel, commercial grade appliances- refrigerator, warmers, BBQ grill and prep stations.  Apple Video & Photography Tell me a little about the live band you have available? The Florida Cracker Boys specialize in playing county, blues and southern rock n' roll. They are also available to do your ceremony music and be master of ceremonies for your reception. For the essential country wedding they are sure to get everyone dancing.  Apple Video & Photography How can a bride and groom reach out to you? By phone- (239) 872-4726 Email- [email protected] Website- www.cypressmranch.com Facebook- Cypress M. Ranch Western Weddings  Special thank you to Lisa for giving me the grand tour!
Wedding Wishes, Marie  How did you first meet?
While at a cabin weekend in Wisconsin with my girlfriends, I lost a dice game and the bet was that I would join a dating website if I lost. Being a cyber dating newbie, I was certain the man of my dreams wasn’t waiting for me online, but there he was! Brandon was the first person I spoke to and within the first 30 mins of messaging with him I knew he was the one. What is the most attractive feature/qualities about your fiance? Brandon is so sweet and loving, doing and saying the right thing at the perfect time. He constantly challenges me to be a better person and reach my goals. He’s happy with me just as I am but always offers support when I need it the most. I’ve never felt unsure or insecure in our relationship, he makes me feel like I’m the only one in the world that matters. What is your fondest dating memory? Oh there are so many to choose from! I am quite adventurous where Brandon is more reserved but curious. I’ve exposed him to places he’s never been, foods he’s never eaten and experiences he’ll never forget. I love seeing his eyes light up like a kid when we try something new. It’s so fulfilling and I’m so happy to share those “firsts” with him! We both live in Minnesota but taking him on his first trip to Florida was truly special. It’s a place I’ve always loved visiting and we decided it was perfect for our destination wedding. When did you know you were in love? I knew within a few weeks of dating, but he took his sweet time to let me know. I didn’t want to be the first to say those 3 words but accidentally did when leaving for work one morning and quickly took back my comment and claimed “I meant that for the dog!” About a month later, while enjoying a date night he said “I love you too!” I freaked out, I’d been waiting for that special moment but quickly realized he meant “I love U2!” as one of their songs was playing on the speaker. Another moment for the books! Finally, after about 4 months he told me he loved me on a beautiful summer night on our balcony. What day did you get engaged? June 15, 2017 just a random Thursday! Where & how did he ask? Brandon planned a date night at Adult Night at the Zoo. I’m a crazy animal lover and had been begging to go to the monthly summer event. He got on one knee on a deck overlooking of a beautiful wooded area filled with chirping birds. At that moment I think I blacked out, he had to ask me if I said yes afterwards! It definitely doesn’t happen as flawlessly as in the movies but I was so happy he had his brother sneaking behind us to capture our special moment. Wedding Date & Location? November 3rd, 2018 - Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda  How many years has Charlotte Bridal Boutique been established? We have been in business for 16 years. Prior to that Lynn's mother managed the original bridal boutique in this location back in 1985.  What is the most popular dress style? Brides are loving the more relaxed fit styles and modified mermaid cuts for their upcoming 2018-2021 weddings. Every year the traditional, a-line gowns still dominate the industry.  What is the most popular wedding dress color? Ivory laces and nudes, darker ivories and soft champagne shades are extremely popular.  Average wedding dress range: We order our gowns strictly with our local brides in mind. We try to cover the smallest budget / informal brides and go all the way to the extravagant and over the top weddings! No matter what the gown budget is, every bride deserves the perfect gown for her wedding day!  What price range for dresses do you offer? Our bridal gowns are priced from $799-$2900, with the average price spent by brides being $1300. Our informal gowns have been ranging from $169-$599. We always have sale gowns available for every price range too!  What was the most expensive dress you have ever sold? A gorgeous $4200 custom gown!  How do you select the designer lines you carry? Every season we go on buying trips and meet with bridal designers to purchase all the latest styles and looks for the upcoming season. Lynn has spent years developing a very close relationship with a select few designers and their factories, and is creating beautiful custom gowns to offer her brides also.  What are some benefits to purchasing through Charlotte Bridal Boutique? You are dealing with an established, trusted and local business that has been here for 16 years and will be here with you, to your your wedding day! Our knowledgeable staff has been chosen for their style, personality and ties to the local community. We offer one-on-one consulting with every bride (in every budget) to ensure she learns all her options and then, assist her in finding the perfect gown to match her style and personality. Our staff is here to assist our brides, grooms and entire wedding party! You will be able to match (or Mix & Match) your bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls and all the suits or tuxedos in the party to create crate your own dream wedding, all in one location. We always accommodate out of town wedding party members and assist you in co-coordinating their orders.  What are some 2019 Trends you want to share? Our brides are creating more soft and flowing wedding themes and the gowns are reflecting that trend. Soft lace, flowing chiffon and crepe are the fabrics of choice that we see coming. As for style, we will see Mermaid still trending strong and a modified A-line. For the bridesmaids we will continue to see blush's and lighter shades. Softer shades of blues, purples and greens are increasing in wedding plans for the next 3 years.  What are some trends trending for tuxedos: Suits and tuxedos in Blue, Black, Tan and Grey shades are very popular for 2018-2021 booked weddings. Our grooms prefer a more slim and ultra slim fit for the wedding party. We also carry the Modern fit and Traditional fit styles! Our clients love the endless color options in our Mens' department! We can color match nearly any wedding colors!  What are some other things you offer at your shop besides bridal gowns and tuxedos? Gorgeous mother of the bride & groom dresses, bridesmaids dresses, flower girl dresses, shoes, jewelry, veils, invitations, and prom dresses.  What are the brides accessorizing with? Beautiful cathedral and chapel length veils are the most popular accessory for our upcoming weddings! Our brides also LOVE to take a simple gown and accent it with elegant belts, sashes and straps! The more subtle the sparkle the better!  Tell me a little about Wedding Gown Preservation: The Wedding Gown Preservation Co has been around since 1913. At Charlotte Bridal we offer the service of packaging your gown and sending it off to the Wedding Gown Preservation Company for them to 100% organically clean the gown and preserve it with up to 3 items: such as the veil, garter, gloves and so on. For more information on preservation stop on by and speak with one of our helpful associates.  In what ways does Charlotte Bridal Boutique give back to the community? We are happy that we have the opportunity to give to local charities and theater group’s. We donate our dresses and gowns of styles that are out of season, to be customized for various productions! We support our local students every year with discounts and donations for those students in need, we love seeing the kids dressed up and enjoying themselves. We are a part of Brides Across America which gives over 2,000 gowns a year to military brides! We always offer military and law enforcement discounts! We support the local non-profits with prize donations also! We donate regularly to the retail store with Meals on Wheels and have participated in the home build with Habitat For Humanity.  What are your store hours? Tuesday- 11-7 Wednesday- 11-7 Thursday- 11-6 Friday- 11-6 Saturday- 11-4 Sundays are available by appointment only.  How can a bride reach out to you:
Please feel free to visit our website at www.charlottebridalboutique.com or send us an email to [email protected]. You can always reach us by phone at 941-255-1205 to set up an appointment or ask us any questions. Appointments are highly recommended but not required so come visit us at 2395 Tamiami Trail #106 & #107, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 in the Bell Plaza. Are you on Facebook & Pinterest? We sure are! Stay up to date with latest news and events by following us on: FB: Charlotte Bridal Boutique FB: Charlotte Tuxedo & Formalwear FB: Prom & Tux by Charlotte Bridal Formalwear IG: charlottebridalfl Pinterest: Charlotte Bridal Boutique BIG THANK YOU to Lynn Atkins for letting me highlight Charlotte Bridal Boutique & Charlotte Formalwear Tuxedos this week and for participating in this fantastic offer for one lucky bride... Here is what you could win: ~~ Exclusive Sunday 'IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BRIDE' Champagne Appointment ($199 Value) for the Bride and up to 8 Guests. Prize includes champagne, pastries, photos and $299.00 off ANY wedding gown purchase that day. **No minimum required!!! ** COMMENT BELOW TO WIN **  Alisa Sue Photography When and where did you get married? I got married at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, FL on June 29th, 2013. Is there any significance to your date or venue? At the time we picked our wedding date there was no significance, we just knew we wanted it sometime during the summer. However, one of my bridesmaids pointed out that my husband proposed to me on June 29, 2012...exactly a year to the date 😊  Alisa Sue Photography Tell us about your gown: I bought my wedding gown at David’s Bridal. I had tried on about 10 others before my mother-in-law to be saw THE ONE. At first I wasn’t a fan but tried it on anyway. I fell in love immediately and was so happy that my MIL found it!  Alisa Sue Photography Describe you man: Hmm, what to say about my hubby. Well, we met while working at a summer camp for kids with disabilities in 2007. At first, I didn’t like him because he made fun of my choice in college football teams but I soon saw what a kind hearted man he was. He asked me out on a date and I of course accepted. What made me fall in love with him was how nicely he treated me and most of all, my brother who has Down Syndrome. My husband is extremely dedicated to his family and is an amazing father to our 3 year old daughter. He works in law enforcement and I know it’s his patience and empathy that makes him a wonderful officer.  Alisa Sue Photography What traditions did you incorporate into your wedding day? I guess I incorporated the normal traditions on our wedding day, like having something borrowed and something blue. We didn’t really veer too far off course when it came to traditions. Favorite moment of your day? My favorite wedding moment was before the ceremony even started, when it was just me and my bridesmaids and my mom. We all love tequila so the wedding planner at the location brought us in Patron and we all did celebratory shots.  Alisa Sue Photography Detail your flowers for us: So like every bride to be I scoured Pinterest for wedding ideas. I found this picture of calla lilies in tall vases and knew that was what I wanted. I took the pictures into Marie and she replicated it to the T, down to every last detail. My bouquet was made up of calla lilies also. Describe your day in one sentence: My wedding day was filled with magic and love.  Alisa Sue Photography Best advice for a bride to be? My advice for a bride to be is to take it slow and eat. I felt like I was hurrying myself along as I wanted to be able to thank all of my guests for coming and I wanted to make sure they were having fun. I did hear the food was amazing though 😊  Alisa Sue Photography This guy has got it, I mean he really has the passion, the passion to turn you perfect wedding day into a perfect wedding night. With his ability to really connect with a couple, to feed off the crowd and the dance moves to show everyone how it is done, it's no wonder he is one of the top DJ's in Southwest Florida. This week’s Vendor of the Week is Jamaal Day from Jam All Day Entertainment.  Photography by Santy Martinez How did you get started? I used to be the activities director at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club. I got to talking with Jim Martin with Captivation Media when I was helping out at the 'Teen Scene' event at the YMCA. He told me a had a great voice, good vibe, the dance moves and that I could motivate a crowd. I did some DJing for some schools and parties and before I knew it all the referrals started to take off. How many years in business: 8 years  Alisa Sue Photography What is your favorite part about weddings? I love it when everything comes together and seeing the reactions on not only the guests but the bride and groom faces! How many events do you do a year? I average about 45-50 events between weddings & events.  What services to you offer? DJ Services- 4 to 8 hour packages available Mirror Photo booth & Wireless/LED Up lighting ** Contact for pricing ** Tell me about your mirror photo booth: It’s an interactive booth to where we can customize the animation and games.  Naomi Chokr Photography How did you come up with your business name & slogan? I used to go by 'Jimmy Jam' in honor of my cousin who passed away. I wanted to be taken seriously though for all kinds of events so I turn it into Jam All Day Entertainment and from there was the slogan- "You Can Bet, You'll Jam All Day"!  Perks & Benefits: I'm a laid back, have fun kind of guy. I ride the waves and play to the crowd. I'm passionate about what I do and it shows. I offer wireless mics and speakers for the ceremony and I'm your MC for the night. What advice do you have for brides & grooms? When I meet with a couple I give them lists of top songs, opinions about what to do and not to do. I try to make it known that their presence on the dance floor is super important and I really try to connect with the couple prior to get better feel for not only their wedding, but who they are.  How can you be reached? Email: [email protected] Phone: 941-321-4663 Website: www.jamallday.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JamAllDayEntertainment You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Da4fSImYrrCnlsvt52_jA Big thank you to Jamaal for letting us interview him! Currently Jam All Day Entertainment is booking for the 2019-2020 wedding season- call today!!
Wedding Wishes, Marie  Bobbi Rattai Photography  Bobbi Rattai Photography Is there any significance to the date or location? - No significance, it was a local place that would hold all my guest.  Bobbi Rattai Photography Tell us about your gown? - My gown was a one strap David Tutera with a sweetheart neck line.  Bobbi Rattai Photography Describe your man? - My husband is a man equally as quirky as I am. Never could I have imagined falling in love with a man that could make me feel as comfortable with myself and my humor as he does. Until I met him, I never believed I would find "my other half" but in him, I have found that.  Bobbi Rattai Photography What traditions did you incorporate into your wedding day? - I had my, old, new, borrow, and blue which is pretty traditional. However I had my sisters step in to fill my moms place since she has passed away. We were traditional in the sense we did all the mother daughter things, but it was just sisters-sister instead. Without them, I would not have been able to have such an amazing wedding day.  Bobbi Rattai Photography Favorite wedding moment? - Our first look. We had a private moment, with the photographer, when Jason saw me in my dress for the first time. It was romantic and simple and it was wonderful to have that without anyone watching.  Bobbi Rattai Photography Detail your flowers for us? I am not a flower girl, I cannot name you any types of flowers other than the basic flowers. I provided Marie my ideas of colors and she was able to select flowers that would not only fit my style, but also my budget. I just remember telling her " I want my bouquet BIG", she delivered for sure.  Bobbi Rattai Photography Describe your day in one sentence?
A day where all my dreams were lived out with the help of all my family and friends. Best advice for a bride to be? - Don't sweat the small stuff. The big day will go by in a flash, and what you'll remember most will be how the day felt. Thank you Rebecca & Jason for sharing the special day with us! Check out this brides fantastic photographer- Bobbi Rattai Photography! Wedding Blessings, -Marie |
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