This week's featured vendor: American Dream Cakes

Meet Gunilla Kroshus cake designer and owner of American Dream Cakes bakery.
American Dream Cakes started business in March 2001 working out of a 300 square foot shop at Gunilla’s house. In 2004 her husband retired from the U.S. Army (22 years working as a Food Inspector) and started working with Gunilla. They opened their current storefront location in Gum Branch Road two years ago in February and they now have a team of bakers & decorators. Here is a Q & A with her:

Q. What's the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride?
A. Brides that are bringing in pictures from magazines and cakes seen on TV should be aware that those cakes are custom creations and therefore tend to be high dollar cakes. If your baker can recreate your "Dream Cake" be prepared to pay for it.

Q. What is the biggest trend you're seeing in weddings?
A. Because of the increase of TV shows like "Ace of Cakes" and Food Networks multiple cake shows, brides are mostly asking for fondant covered cakes. My experience shows that once they get to try it, most brides do not like the taste or texture of fondant. Overall brides nowadays want something unique but yet elegant. At American Dream Cakes Bakery the bride can have her cake iced in Butter-cream as smooth looking as fondant.
To learn more about American Dream Cakes visit their website at http://www.americandreamcakes.com/

This Week's Vendor: Panache wedding

Panache Wedding, Catering & Photography Services is a one-stop shop located on seven acres of country beauty conveniently located in the heart of Jacksonville. As wedding planners, they will assist with all aspects of the wedding and reception, including rehearsal dinners. The staff at Panache prides themselves for working with brides and making their dream wedding a reality and within their budget. Panache belongs to a network of local businesses who extend discounts to their clients. Panache has been a part of the wedding community since 1985. Here is a Q & A with the planners at Panache:

What's the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride?
Hold off on making purchases until you find a venue for the wedding and reception. Some venues provide or rent at a nominal cost many of the items you would be purchasing. If the facility you decide on comes with "Wedding Planner Services," you may enjoy greater savings if the Wedding Planner negotiates savings for you through their contacts with other local businesses.

This week's featured vendor: Weddings of Grace

Meet Malika Becton from Weddings of Grace, this lovely lady is a fantastic wedding planner, she is known for her charismatic personality and willingness to help. Here are some tips that she shared with us during an interview:
"The most important piece I can offer a bride is to make sure they hire a professional bridal consultant to help them plan there wedding. Some people automatically assume that a wedding planner is a luxury only for the wealthy and is not a necessity. A wedding planner is a very vital element for a wedding just as much as the wedding gown, tuxedo, and ring are to the bride and groom. There’s nothing more reassuring, than knowing your wedding is going to run flawlessly right before your eyes. More so, if we say that despite of a tight budget you can still have the wedding of your dreams. Your wedding planner can make that happen. We can get the best prices through our networking group of many different vendors. You can not afford not to have a wedding planner."

We asked Malika was was the biggest trends she sees with her clients, here is what she has to say: "The biggest trend I am seeing in weddings are trash the dress sessions, after parties, changing into a special gown at the reception, adesso albums and photo booths.

To learn more about Malika visit her website: http://www.weddingsofgrace.us/

This Week's Vendor: JC Formals

Meet Pamela, owner of J.C. Carolina Formals, LLC. She is a couture bridal and formal gown designer with more than 10 years of experience in the field. Pamela is known for her creative style and for her wonderful personality, she will be delighted to create your dream gown. One huge advantage of having your wedding gown custom made is that you get a better fit, you pick the fabric and the exact design you dreamed of. Make sure to stop by her booth. Need to schedule an appointment before that? Call Pamela at 934-0237.

This week's featured vendor: Reverend Bonnie Lee Compton

We have the pleasure to introduce Reverend Bonnie Lee Compton, she is a non-denominational minister and serves unique wedding ceremonies in New Bern, Greenville, Jacksonville, Kinston, the Crystal Coast and surrounding areas. Rev. Compton is known for her dedication and responsiveness to the needs of her couples. Rev. Compton is a member of the National Association of wedding ministries and is highly respected in the area. If you would like to schedule a consultation, you can reach her at 252-638-2358 or visit her website http://www.revbonnieweddings.com/ to read some wonderful comments from some of her previous clients.

Brides are encouraged to post their questions for our vendors.

Why is so important to hire professional vendors?

When you think of hiring all your wedding vendors, you may think, “It is too expensive.” The real fact is - it may very well be the best investment you ever make. Most brides work full time, some have children, elderly parents, and countless other obligations. Add to that, the pre-wedding parties, gown fittings, etc.. With today’s hectic lifestyles, how are you going to fit it all in?
A good planner will be your best friend. They have done all the research and can recommend dependable, professional vendors or suppliers, most of the time at a better price. Planners can often suggest something you didn't think of, or a less expensive alternative. They will save you time, money, and relieve your stress. You, your family, and your friends deserve to have fun and enjoy your special day. Leave the worry behind.
You may want to do some or most of the planning yourself, after all that’s part of the fun. It can also be very time-consuming, checking prices, researching, making sure you are getting the best deal for your money. A wedding planner is always someone you can bounce ideas off of and talk to about anything. We are great at keeping secrets, our reputation depends on it.
If you have a medical problem, you see a doctor. If you need legal advice, you see a lawyer. Why would you not seek professionals for the most important day of your life? Even if you plan some of it yourself, you need someone there the day of to oversee everything. After all, you can't do everything and be everywhere. Professional vendors have the training and experience to handle any situation that may arise.
Don't' trust the most important day of your life to unqualified people. Although they mean well, they will want to enjoy your day with you. Hire professionals, you'll be very glad you did!

Lejeune Bridal Gala it's here!

Planning a wedding can be such a fun time and also a time of much decision-making, The Lejeune Bridal Gala is the first of its kind and it’s catered with our troops in mind to help you through the process.

Indulge your taste buds during a wedding cake showcase and sampling of wedding reception cuisine. Meet with bridal consultants, photographers, florists and entertainment experts. Enjoy a fashion show that will highlight the latest trends in bridal and formalwear from the best shops in town, hair and makeup demonstrations, a grooms’ lounge, honeymoon ideas and much more! Guests will be serenaded by DJs who will be showcasing their talents.
All the products, services, ideas and information you’ll need to make your dream wedding come to life are waiting for you.

The Lejeune Bridal Gala is scheduled to take place February 15, 2009 from 1-5 at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center, which is located off of Western Blvd., Extension.
Turn on to Gateway North or Gateway South. Both roads become Recreation Loop. From Recreation Loop, turn onto Recreation Lane.