Sunday, February 15, 2009

A wonderful bridal show: Thank you everyone

Wow! today was a wonderful day, we are all exhausted from the show but really excited with the outcome. We have gotten many wonderful comments from the vendors and the brides who where thrilled about having the first bridal show with them in mind. It was great to see so many smiling faces. :)

Stay tuned to the blog, we have more featured vendor profiles coming up and tons ... tons.. of photos from the fashion show, booths and the behind the scenes photo shoot with our beautiful models.

Thank you Pam DuVal and her team for making this event a complete success and to the many vendors who participated and made this possible!

Photos are been downloaded we will have them up soon!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Featured Vendor: Sandals



SANDALS RESORTS BRING DESTINATION WEDDING AND HONEYMOON DREAMS TO LIFE
Luxurious Amenities, Innovative Programs and Unparalleled Service Combine to Create an Unforgettable Wedding Experience at Sandals Resorts ~

Celebrated for their ability to create precious moments, Sandals Resorts have assembled the top names and services in the bridal industry to offer their guests unparalleled experiences for their destination wedding and honeymoon. From innovative partnerships with celebrated event designer and wedding planner Preston Bailey to the introduction of the Luxury Included® Honeymoon in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas, the Caribbean resort collection has moved beyond the traditional wedding and honeymoon genre into a world of unprecedented services and amenities.

“Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean,” says Joann Delgin, Chief Romance Officer for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, who is responsible for overseeing the execution of thousands of destination weddings each year. “In addition to unique luxury amenities, we have created a variety of interactive programs to assist couples with every aspect of planning their special day from selecting the resort location to choosing the color of their Preston Bailey bouquet. We have always remained ahead of the curve with innovative new offerings and partnerships and continue to seek out new opportunities and collaborations to inspire and excite our guests.”

Currently, Sandals boasts 12 Luxury Included® resorts located throughout the Caribbean in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards, luxurious accommodations in a range of categories, unrivaled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification program, the London-based Guild of Professional English Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region.


THE PLANNING
The wedding planning process ranks among one of the most stressful times in a young couples’ life. “From navigating the expectations of two families to the countless decisions to be made, couples planning the most important day of their lives together sometimes need a reminder of what made them say ‘I do’ in the first place,” says Joann Delgin Chief Romance Officer.

In an effort to ease the stress commonly associated with planning the big event, Sandals recently created a number of interactive programs and packages to assist couples with finalizing wedding and honeymoon plans.

Sandals Wedding Blog
Jaime Stewart-McConnell, Managing Director of Royal Plantation Collection and daughter of Sandals founder Butch Stewart, recently created the Sandals Wedding Blog sandalsweddingblog.com/blog/ for couples planning their wedding or honeymoon. The
interactive site shares valuable insights into planning a destination wedding and honeymoon at Sandals Resorts, including insider tips from Jaime’s own experience as a recent bride.

Dessy Dresses Collection
In 2004, Vivian Diamond of the Dessy Collection, created a line of ten gowns exclusively for Sandals Resorts. The simple light and airy dresses ideally suited for destination weddings are sold in select retail locations and online at http://www.sandals.com/ and http://www.beaches.com/. Each of the dresses in the Sandals destination wedding dress collection is available for $499.

Featured Vendor: The Marriott



Marriott hotels of Jacksonville, NC

The Marriott hotels of Jacksonville, NC – TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites – can help take the stress out of your wedding by hosting your guests. Our hotels are conveniently located in Jacksonville to many nearby wedding sites. With comfortable accommodations, complimentary daily breakfast, and superior customer service, our staff is committed to taking good care of your out-of-town guests. Discounts are available for group blocks of ten (10) or more guest rooms.

Contact Tracy Woodhead, Director of Sales, to learn more at (910) 478-9795 or tracyw@lbaproperties.com.

Q&A with Tracy:
What's the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride? As a recent bride, the best advice I can give is to relax and breathe. The day will go by very quickly. Remember the special moments you share – getting ready with your bridal attendants, the first time you see the groom at the altar, watching everyone enjoy themselves at the reception. These are the moments that don’t always get captured in pictures but will always be engrained in your memory.

What is the biggest trend you're seeing in weddings? Trends I’m seeing recently are brunch receptions and personalized drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Brunches can save money. With a personalized menu or special drink, a bride and groom can show off their personality and incorporate elements of their first date or favorite moment together to share with their guests.

Tell us an anecdote about one of your favorite couples, bride or wedding. A bride and groom were staying at our hotel recently. The day before the wedding the bride found out the chapel had been double booked and they were moving the ceremony. There were a lot of out of town guests who already had directions to the first spot. Many of the guests were at our hotel so our staff helped out by printing up new directions and making sure everyone knew of the new location so the bride didn’t have to worry. We were all amazed at how calm the bride was through the last minute change. She knew she just had to smile and it would all work out. She was marrying a great guy and that was really all she needed!

Featured Vendor: Poplar Grove Plantation


Poplar Grove Plantation is a beautiful, historic setting for weddings, receptions and parties. With expansive lawns and moss draped oaks as a backdrop, there's an authentic1850 manor house, lovely courtyard and cloud-white gazebo. Receptions for up to 175 in the Cultural Arts Center; accomodate more in a tent. For the wedding of your dreams at a price you can afford have your special day where generations of southern belles have married their gentlemen. Visit us at 10200 US 17, Wilmington, NC, on the web at http://www.poplargrove.com/ or call 910.686.9518 ext. 26


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Casting call: Models needed for Sandals destination wedding gowns



We are looking for 4 models sizes 8-10 to showcase Sandals new line of destination wedding dresses. experience is not necessary but you must be 18 or older to participate.

From jeweled brooches to lace-up backs, elegance and effortlessness are the defining duet of destination wedding dresses. Lightweight fabrics like silk and charmeuse are easy to travel with and look playful and ravishing amid island breezes and leaping waves.

If you are interested, contact us at info@lejeunebridalgala.com. Great opportunity to build your portfolio, get exposure and network with area photographers, stylists and make up artist.

Monday, February 9, 2009

This Week's Vendor: Special Events Catering

Special Events Catering specializes in pampering our clients and treating them to phenomenal cuisine. I have built me business in tune with today's best business model - a tremendous value without the high costs. So if you looking for moderate costs, high value, fabulous presentation, delectable cuisine, and professional service, we need to talk!'

Most important info:

Just relax and enjoy every moment of the day and leave everything up to us during your reception.

Biggest trend: Cocktail Wedding Receptions - are perfect for newlyweds looking to have an elegant affair, without breaking your budget.

There was a reception at the Pine Knolls Shore Aquarium where the otters were putting on quite a show during the reception which made for an unforgetable wedding!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

This Week's Vendor: David's Bridal




David's Bridal offers a vast selection of designer wedding gowns, in stock, in every size. Not only can customers try on gowns in their size, but they can take home their dream dress the same day they found it. David's Bridal offers the convenience of one-stop shopping with head-to-toe dressing, on-site alterations, special financing options, and gown preservation services. David’s Bridal offers exclusive color coordination for almost every wedding detail, from gown accents and accessories, to bridesmaid dresses, invitations, gifts, and so much more. And for life’s other special occasions David’s has an endless selection of prom and party dresses to fit every style. David's Bridal. Beautiful dresses. Smart prices. Exciting new colors. Fabulous new styles. Including one that is uniquely you. And, with over 300 locations nationwide, it's easy to coordinate even the most widespread wedding party!

Featured Vendor: Sinclair Limousine



At Sinclair Limousine our goal is to provide you with outstanding service that's second to none. We make sure that every client receives the attention to detail and personal service that they deserve. Our fleet is modern and unique, featuring Lincoln Navigator and Town Car stretch limousines.
Whether its an airport transfer, concert, social outing, wedding or any other special occasion, trust in Sinclair Limousine to provide you with expertise and professionalism. Serving Eastern Carolina with affordable luxury and a smart choice for ground transportation.




To find out more about Sinclair Limousine call 252-241-6519 or visit http://www.sinclairlimo.com/

This Weeks Vendor: Kathy Canby Cakes

I have been married for 35 years to my wonderful husband, Ron. Our son, Greg, is 20.
Both my husband and son have been very supportive and helpful with my business.
We have lived in Jacksonville since 1977 and I started decorating cakes as a hobby for friends and family in 1987. I started getting outside orders through word-of-mouth advertising.
At first, I was very nervous about doing cakes for others because I had so much to learn.
Fortunately, through the encouragement of my husband and some very loyal customers,
my confidence and abilities grew. Now that I am retired from my job on Camp Lejeune, I can devote more time to my passion for making delicious and beautiful cakes. To find out more about Kathy Canby Cakes visit: http://www.kathycanbycakes.com/

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Door Prizes

The Lejeune Bridal Gala will be giving away door prizes throughout the day, some of the prizes are:

• Spa Day Pass and teeth whitening session courtesy of Planet Beach Contempo Spa
• Two $300 Gift Certificates courtesy of MM Digital Photography
• 12”x18” sheet cake in a variety of flavors (Serves 50) courtesy of Kathy Canby Cakes
• Gift Certificate for an engagement, bridal or portrait session with an 8x10 fine art print courtesy of R. D. Decker Photography
• Certificate for a custom aisle runner courtesy of Chapel Runners
• Cake knife & server courtesy of Promised Hearts
• 11 x 14 photo frame courtesy of Uniquely You PhotographsWedding music CD & songbook courtesy of the The O'Neil Brothers

In addition to the growing list of door prizes, the first 100 brides to attend will receive a free goody back filled with tons of gifts and saving from our vendors.

Friday, February 6, 2009

This Week's Vendor: Uniquely You Photographs



My name: Arthine Saunders Thomas
Business name: Uniquely You Photographs
My e-mail: photographer1@uniquelyyouphotographs.com
Business website: http://www.uniquelyyouphotographs.com/



Business mailing address: P.O. Box 801 Richlands, NC 28574
Business phone: 910-324-2126

Bio: I am a native of Onslow County. Born in Richlands to Doug and Hazel Saunders. Graduated from Richlands High School and East Carolina University. I taught in the Onslow County School System for over 29 years retiring in June 2008. I have a daughter, Kimberly, and a granddaughter, Janiya. I am the widow of Michael Thomas.


Q1. The best advice I can give the bride and the groom it to remember that it is your day and your wishes, hopes, and dreams are what is most important.

Q2. The trend I see today is that couples are still doing the traditional things at their weddings, but putting their own unique "spin" on them.
Q3. The most touching thing I witnessed at a wedding reception was the groom "marrying" the 3 young stepdaughters with each getting their own ring.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Featured Vendor: An Affair to Remember by Laurie


An Affair to Remember by Laurie is based on the belief that customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Laurie is committed to meeting all her client's needs. As a result, a high percentage of her business is from repeat customers and referrals.

"I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry," said Laurie.

To learn more about her services visit http://www.anaffairtorememberbylaurie.com/ or contact her by phone (910)265-0259 or email lamottespecialevents@hotmail.com.