Tariq & Camille- Fort Myers, Florida

Have you heard of La Casa Toscana?

It’s a BRAND new venue in Fort Myers, FL. We are so excited to be opening this space to the public.

This venue has been a private event venue for the owner’s children. We had the pleasure to not only plan Tariq & Camille’s wedding this winter in Fort Myers, Florida but also Tariq’s older sisters wedding a few years ago.

LOVE STORY

A few years ago, we were hired to plan Tariq’s older sister’s wedding at the same location. This event was breathtaking. So, after Tariq and Camille got engaged, we knew this was going to be an unforgettable event!

Camille got a message from Tariq’s sister on Instagram. This was a SET UP! Niza has been following Camille online and knew she was just the kind of person her brother needed. So, after an online introduction the two decided to meet.

A BLIND DATE

Tariq was living in Florida and Camille in Virginia. The long distance did not stop them! After their first date they knew that this was something different.

It wasn’t long until they were engaged and planning their event at La Casa Toscana.

Their ceremony was outdoor under the gazebo on property. They chose dark brown chairs to contrast the beautiful whites and blushes tones of the wedding.

COCKTAILS & DINNER

The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour on the lawn. The guest’s then moved to the dinner where they ate under the verandas and danced under the stars.

DANCING

Tariq & Camille’s wedding day was one of the best events we have had the pleasure to be a part of. This event was filled so many languages! French & Spanish were spoken more than English and we could not have been happier see such a blend of cultures.

The love between the couple and their families was evident in every conversation. Both families wanted to honor their faith and belief in God and the love they showed every single vendor and guest is something everyone could feel. What a beautiful event.

After all these years and experiencing this amazing family, how they treat everyone no matter what. We are so excited that this beautiful space is now available to the public!

What a GEM this is to everyone who gets the pleasure of coming into contact with it.

Contributors

VIDEOGRAPHER

Diego Stuart Films

PHOTOGRAPHER

Hunter Ryan Photography

VENUE

La Casa Toscana

FLOWERS

Leroy French Flowers

RENTALS + DECOR

Taylor Rentals

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ Gil Blake

WEDDING CAKE

In Love & Food

WEDDING PLANNER

Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

FAVORS + GIFTS

Le Macaron

HONEYMOON

The Cove

CATERER

Friscos

And this GORGEOUS wedding was PUBLISHED in SOUTHERN BRIDE! We couldn’t be more excited to share it with you all!

How to Handle a "MaidZilla"

Last weekend, we were interviewed by Wedding Wire!!

They asked us to help them help you on how to handle a “MaidZilla!”

Photo By: Val Marlene Creative

So you know, when your friends love you JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH…

Yeah, I mean we all want friends who will have our back no matter what! But, on the big day, how do you handle a tense situation?

We’re sharing our thoughts and ideas here, you DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

Photo by Aly Carroll Photography

Jamie & Jeff Okoboji Iowa

Jamie and Jeff were married at Lakeshore Center at Okoboji in Okoboji, Iowa. The camp was a place they both loved and spent time. Jamie's family summers on Okoboji so it only made sense for them to get married here. 

When I first met Jamie I felt her sweet demeanor instantly, she is someone you are comfortable with almost immediately.

She has gorgeous taste!

Her daily style spilled into her wedding details. She chose sage, whites, and soft pinks for her color palette And it was simply stunning, just like her. 

The girls got ready at Bridges Bay Resort, where most of the guests stayed for the weekend. What we loved about this mini destination wedding, was most guests turned it into a weeknd getaway for their friends and family. What a fun way to celebrate! 

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Jeff, simply put, he is the kindest person you will ever meet. I could tell just how crazy he was about Jamie the moment I saw them together.  He is sweet, considerate, hospitable and such a gentleman to everyone. They are perfect together! 

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The ceremony was outside with the most beautiful lake view!

Guests arrived by boat!! 

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After the ceremony, the bridal party floated away on their "party boat" to meet their guests at the cocktail hour. 

The party moved to the Majestic Pavilion at Arnold's Park for the remainder of the evening. This stunning venue didn't need much to make it beautiful. In the heart of Okoboji its charm and lake views speak for itself nestled into Arnold's Park.

The picture perfect spot was perfect for Jeff & Jamie! 

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Cocktails and dinner were served at the Majestic Pavilion at Arnold's Park, where we danced the night away with Brass Menagerie from Minneapolis. The night was filled with so much laughter and joy.

This union was really one we will never forget! 

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This beautiful wedding could not have happened with the work of all amazing vendors! 

Catering: Yesterday's

Flowers: Bella Rosa

Rentals: Grand Occasions

Wedding Planner: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

Photographer: Aly Caroll Photography

Ceremony Venue: Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

Reception Venue:  Majestic Pavilion at Arnold's Park

Live Music: Brass Menagerie

Congrats to you Jamie & Jeff! 

“Becky, it was GREAT working with you and your team! IT WAS SO FUN! What a great night, what a great group of people.”

— Tim Johnson

from BRASS MENAGERIE- Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For more Wedding Inspiration click here! 

One of the BIGGEST Wedding Fails

Photo by Megan Schaap Photography

What's the difference between a wedding planner and your venue's coordinator? Aren't they the same thing? 

Don't worry! This is confusing! If you didn't know the difference, we get it! Most people don't know there is a difference. If your wedding venue offers on-site coordinating services you may be tempted to not hire an outside wedding planner to save on costs. But there’s a good chance that you could end up frustrated and stressed out on your wedding day when the venue coordinator fails to “perform”.

 Simply put, the venue coordinator is coordinating between yourself and the venue staff only.

Even though, there are many venues who offer full-service planners for your wedding day. Their full-service may not be exactly what you are expecting. These services will focus mainly on what the venue provides to you only. For example; the banquet staff, food service, table and chair set up. 

So how does that happen? Maybe you hear the venue coordinator say things like, "I'll be here to help with anything the day of." YOU HEAR, she will take full ownership of anything happening on the wedding day, coordinating with other vendors, and playing catch all with every small thing that may come up. I am certain that in any emergencies your venue coordinator will be there to help, but they won't be there to take full ownership of all the moving parts on that day, simply because it isn't their job. 

So, the venue coordinator ends up getting a bad reputation for not doing things you thought they were handling. And you as the bride start to freak out about things that you just shouldn't have to on your wedding day!  

So who takes care of all the "other" stuff? 

You may be wondering, what other stuff is there to worry about?

Let's start with our FREE TO-DO LIST for anyone planning a wedding! This list may help you define what small things may need to be attended to, while you are getting married, just in case. 

But, there are so many possibilities that can and will arise that can be stress-free for you if you are working with a wedding planner. 

REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER. 

So here are 5 wedding fails you want to avoid when working with a venue coordinator. 

Number one! 

Photo by Hunter Ryan Photography

A wedding planner is your biggest advocate! They are working WITH you to create the wedding of your dreams.  There are times in-house coordinators are there to support their staff and sell you something more. A wedding planner hired by you is not going to try and add on upcharges. They will be fully supportive of your vision, ideas, and plans. And only there to help you communicate that to all your vendors. A venue coordinator will have the venues best interest in mind above all. So keep this in mind. 

Number two! 

Photo by Echo Cinematics

A venue coordinator may have multiple events that day or weekend at their venue. This will divide their attention between you and other clients. They will likely have limited availability for questions or assistance during the time of the other event, this could cause stress on your if were expecting decor to be unpacked or, even worse still, when the morning wedding is vacating the ballroom you booked so that you can access it!

Number Three! 

Photo by NikoBella Photography

An onsite coordinator is most likely not going to set up your wedding decor. They're main concern is going to be to make sure the tables, chairs, place settings and dishware are where they need to be. You cannot expect them to set up your centerpieces, name cards, or chair covers. Those duties belong to your wedding planner. Make sure to get a detailed list of things the venue coordinator plans to handle. Then create an additional to-do and work with your wedding planner to make sure these things get taken care of. 

Number four!

Photo by Ana Jones

A wedding coordinator will not ensure vendors are doing their job. Their primary focus will be that the venue is providing what they contracted to you. So, if you need someone to make sure your DJ is sticking to the playlist you agreed upon, your venue coordinator will not take that initiative. There may be logistics they have to manage during the timing of your event to accommodate other guests and their contracts. 

Number five! 

Photo by Brian Davis Photography

The venue coordinator will not carefully deliver your timeline. With the exception of deliverables that the venue is providing, the venue coordinator is not obligated to make sure that things are happening smoothly and according to your schedule. Some examples: Are photos taking longer than expected? Are one of the bridesmaids missing in action? Is decor set-up running way behind schedule? Here a wedding planner is pretty much a life saver! Your wedding planner will be acting as a behind the scenes director, making sure that all the players know their parts, and that they are on cue, too. 

And remember, every venue will have specifics for their spaces. Make sure to ask the right questions, and don't be afraid to ask for things in writing! 

If you are planning a wedding and want more tips and tricks! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a thing! And if you are a bridesmaid in wedding see how much it will cost you.