La Suvera is in Pievescola south of Siena. To say it is magnificent is a understatement. You arrive at this quaint little village and drive up a hill to this palatial hangout for the Florentine aristocracy.  Well we were treated like aristocracy.

See the room! A bed fit for a Queen! The food, the pool overlooking the vineyards, spa…I could go on but visit www.lasuvera.com for more information.

While there, they had two vow renewals in the on site church.

Finally they had my favorite flowers the “Weddings Unique” hydrangeas all over the place. Bliss.

Interestingly the wedding market here is not nearly what you would think. No bridal magazines gasp! Any wanna-be publishers out there?

When I last did a wedding here in Italy the options were few for vendors. Anyone speak italian and ready to head on over?  BTW everyone speaks english. Nothing that a pocket dictionary or iphone app could not handle. 

The one thing I know how to say well is conto, which is bill please. Breathing is expensive here and the euro is better than it has been in many years… enough ramblng.

Some great wedding locations have been found in city number 2…one is a private villa in Chianti. It is enchanting. These can be found with a little digging and talking to people who have been there many times (me).

The other pictures are of the famous Boboli Gardens at the Palazzo Pitti.  Many special events there. Finally a pic of me and my lovely traveling companion Madeline.

Stay tuned…next blog is on activities for honeymooners while in Tuscany.  They are everywhere as Italy is the top honeymoon destination.

Arrivederci

A trip would not be complete without a ride on a gondola with a singing Fabio lookalike gondolier. We had wine and cheese while quietly moving through the “streets”.

These shoes are hot hot hot! {Photo credit: Bridal Buds}

Go for the Gold with these sexy Christian Louboutins {Photo credit: Paul Johnson Photography}

Can’t decide on one color?  You don’t have to! Select shoes that incorporates all your wedding colors.  {Photo credit: Natalie Moser Photography}

Who can resist lime green shoes?! {Photo credit: Gabriel Ryan Photographers}

Sexy and spicy red heels make a bold statement at any wedding. {Photo credit: Orchard Cove Photography}

These emerald shoes bedecked with gemstones add that extra special sparkle. {Photo credit: Bridal Buds}

Shiny and shimmery can be worn on the hands AND feet!  {Photo credit: Garrett Nudd Photography}

Consider your shoes to be your “something blue”.  {Photo credit: Garrett Nudd Photography}

Let’s not forget about the Groom and his buddies.  His entourage can express their style through their footwear and wear matching kicks! {Photo credit: Damon Tucci Photography}

Ashley Howard, a former bride from 10 years ago (wow how time flies) has started Tiers Platinum Cakes.  As you can see from the look on my face the flavors were tasty and UNIQUE.  Orange and Peach Cream Cake, Creme Brulee and Butterfingers Cake and Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.  Yummy!

By the way, Ashley was the genius behind Bio-Rice.  She invented this product locally in her kitchen in the middle of the night! Over the years it has become HUGE in the wedding industry.  Very eco-friendly.  Please check her out…  www.tiersonline.com

{Photo credit: Caroline Johnson Photography}

Orlando Wedding magazine just came out with their premiere issue for  Fall/Winter 2010 and I had the pleasure of joining fellow industry planners to contribute some of my wedding expertise to the new publication.  Please see below for full article!

Q&A with Wedding Planners

OW: Why should couples use a planner?

HS: A bride and her mother should enjoy the day to the fullest and not worry about a thing.

OW: What were the most expensive and least expensive weddings you’ve planned?

HS: We’ve done weddings for $1000 to $5 million.

OW: What are some of the new trends in weddings?

HS: Color, color, color.  Also, traditions and heirlooms passed down from earlier generations, eclectic food and comfort in wedding gowns and shoes.

OW: When is the popular season to be married in Orlando?

HS: It used to be the fall and spring, but now it seems to be year round.  With the economy, brides are taking advantage of the off-season here when rates for venues are lower.

OW: What are some ‘dos’ when it comes to Orlando weddings?

HS: Always plan for the sun and rain!

OW: What are some common wedding myths that you have busted?

HS: That the groom can’t see the bride before the ceremony. Couples are breaking from tradition by having the groom see the bride before the ceremony during a special ‘private moment’ or ‘first look’.  This time allows for tears to be shed in private and for photography to be done ahead of time so the new Mr. and Mrs. can join the cocktail hour fun! Another myth is that the planning process is a lot of stress and work.  It should be a special time for parents and the fiance.

Maral and Shaun were married at Rosen Shingle Creek on March 27, 2010.  The soft yellows, greens and purples was a perfect palatte for their spring wedding.  Lee James Floral Design took those colors and created gorgeous floral decor that made their event so beautiful. 

Congratulations Maral and Shaun!  We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

Photo credit: Caroline Johnson Photography

St. Augustine is such a beautiful place to get married, we were so happy that Kim and Joe picked this historical location for their big day.  They chose classic reds and whites for their color palatte which is always elegant and lovely! 

Photo credit: John Unrue Photography