 How did you get started in the wedding industry? My bachelors degree required 9 credits of paid internships so I started working at In Bloom Florist and began learning the in and outs of the event business from some of the best in the industry. That is when I feel in love with weddings, corporate events, and trade shows.  What is your background/education? I grew up in a family owned business so when I attended UCF, I really wanted to earn a degree in a field that I could build my own business. I graduated in 2014 with honors from University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management with a B.S. in Event Management.  How many years have you been in business? I opened my business in August of 2015 and really started to brand myself in 2017.  What services do you offer? Multiple planning packages from day of coordination to full planning services. I also offer rental items, custom signs and invitations.  What do you think is currently trending for weddings? This year I think geometric shapes have become a lot more popular. They are being incorporated in design, decor metals, on the invitations and even with furniture.  What are your predictions for 2019 wedding trends? I think with 2019 weddings, less will be more. I see a lot of weddings leaning towards having simple more natural looking decor. Even the bridal parties attire have been turning towards more neutrals over the loud accent colors and I suspect we will be seeing more of that.  What are your key strengths? I would say persistence and the ability to stay calm in all situations but I am really bad at "bragging" on myself so here are some quotes from my clients. "Always calm, reassuring, no problem too big, no question too silly, no task too difficult. She handles everything with confidence and grace and always with a smile." - Jeanne "I had not planned on hiring any type of wedding coordinator as I was trying to cut as much as possible from our budget. However, after seeing how much Mandi did to make our day perfect I am so happy we didn't skimp in this area. " - Rosie  What is your favorite part about weddings? I love everything about weddings but I love seeing love. I adore seeing a first look and that adoration in the couples eyes. I also melt when I am hiding in the back watching and I see other couples look at their partner or grab hands when they hear the vows once again that they also made at one time.  What is the cost for your services? Day of services start at $950 and my biggest full planning package starts at $3750.  Where are you located and how far do you travel? I am located in Port Charlotte but I will travel just about anywhere!  What are your hours? Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm but available by email 24/7 and by appointment after hours. 
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 How did you get started as a photographer? I needed to find an outlet while earning my bachelor's degree in Psychology, so I took up Photography as a hobby when I didn't need to write papers or take exams. That was seven years ago, just having fun with a Canon Rebel T2i with the kit lens.  How many years have you been in business? After earning my degree, I decided to go full time with Photography instead (the flexible hours were more appealing than an office job). I am celebrating my fifth year being full time!  What types of photography services do you offer? I specialize in Wedding, Maternity, and Lifestyle Newborn Photography. I offer family photography as well, and just this year I started partnering with local "boss babes" in helping them brand their business with head shots and product/stock photography.  Tell me a little about your wedding packages? I offer four packages, ranging from a three-hour "Elopement" package, to the remaining three based off of what you "Need", "Want", and "Desire" for your wedding day. I provide up to ten hours of service for your wedding day, including a second photographer for a minimum of six hours. I have also partnered with two local business ladies to include extra goodies (aside from the crystal USB and prints), such as a monogrammed shirt for the bride, and delicious monogrammed cookies for the couple.  What type of cameras & equipment do you use? I have two full-framed camera bodies, both are Canon 6D. My go-to lenses are my 50mm 1.4 and 24-70mm. I also have a 85mm 1.8 and 15mm 2.8 lens. I use a couple of basic soft box lights on tripods for weddings, as well as four Shanny SN600SC Master Flash Speedlights. My favorite camera bag is the Kamrette Lyra Backpack!  For editing, what programs do you use? When I first started, I solely used Photoshop CS4. It literally took me four years to integrate Lightroom into my editing workflow, and I regret not doing it sooner. PhotoMechanic has also been a game changer for my turn around time, as well as BlogStomp for my website and blogging.  What sets you apart from other photographers? I am very patient, and I take my time with my clients. My website may say I shoot within a certain time frame, but if I feel like I didn't get what I needed for my client, I stay longer. I always shoot prior to sunset, and I schedule the session ahead of time to allow any wiggle-room I need if a child isn't cooperating or I am not confident enough in what we have gotten so far. I am also very laid back, and I am not bothered by children that may not be cooperating (or the husbands, ha!). I work with a lot of stressed out mothers, because let's be honest, a family session can be very stressful. I try to make the process as easy as possible on the parents, reassuring them their children are not a bother and we will get what we need. This rule also applies to the Lifestyle Newborn Session(s). I allow up to three hours for the baby to nurse as much as needed to get the sweet photos. For weddings, if there isn't a wedding planner present, I run the timeline - and my brides love that. It's a race against the clock, all the while making the day as stress-free as possible for my bride and groom. I have been a hairstylist, make up artist, janitor, and seamstress on a wedding day when it was needed; this is when I am so very thankful to have my second photographer to capture the moments while I am filling in a gap. Be rest assured those moments are rare, but it's better than a stressed out bride!  Has your work been featured? Yes! You can find me on Beyond the Wanderlust, Wedding Wire, In Beauty + Chaos, and I am in network with Hulafrog and The Knot. I really need to be better about submitting my work; it's something I am working on for 2018 and 2019!  How can you be reached? You may send inquiries through my website, www.heatherfphotography.com . My email is the second best form of communication: heatherfphoto@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatherfphotography Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherfrankphotography Brides may follow my Pinterest for wedding inspiration, and send me their own inspirations for upcoming sessions: www.pinterest.com/heatherfrankkk    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 cakeconcepts@hotmail.com. I also have a Facebook page (Cake Concepts) that they can send me a message!  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 charlottebridal@earthlink.net. 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 ** 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: info@jamallday.com 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 |
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