Christopher & Niza - Southwest Florida - La Casa Toscana

Between my love of travel, the white sand beaches and this gorgeous couple; do Florida events get any better? I had the pleasure of getting to know Niza and her family at their Southwest Florida home. Although we had a connection through Niza's sister, I had never had the pleasure of meeting either Christopher or Niza until the weekend of their event. 

Planning destination events has been one of my favorite parts of my business. When I started my event planning career 99% of my clients were from over 500+ miles away.

Destination events are where my roots are planted.

The distance in planning did not make them skip a beat. The moment I met Chris & Niza I knew this event would be beautiful. (I mean look at them!)

florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo

 

But, their taste was flawless, their spirits gentle, and their family was so welcoming. With this combination, I knew this event would be one of the best yet! 

AND THIS SPACE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

I am so honored to share a little of their story with you. 

Tucked away in the Bride's family home in Southwest Florida, La Casa Toscana is one of the best kept secrets in SWFL. I drove up to the house and met Niza for the first time. Her first words, "Wow you're so pretty!" Are you shocked, I was too. But, it wasn't just the first impression that stuck with me. It was what Chris and Niza had built their relationship on; the love of others. Every single vendor and every single guest felt wanted and welcome. It is no surprise when Niza asked if I would help with her last minute floral emergency, my team and I jumped on the opportunity to serve them. There was a hiccup the night before the event and Niza was in need of someone to put together the 2,800 long stem roses and 30,000 white rose petals! Bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and ceremony decor all had to be done in less than 24 hours. 

Although, I am NO florist!

My team and I did our best. (Pardon my cell photo in the garage).

Bride's Bouquet. The final product!

Bride's Bouquet. The final product!

The evening was closing in and we were wrapping up our floral design for the evening when a piece of floral wire flung into the air and poked me in my left eye! It hurt so badly! Like I said, I am NO florist. Although, I could still see it did not stop the eye from swelling shut. The day of the event, I was shall we say, Pirate Wedding Planner? YES! I had a eye patch and no make up on half of my face. I figured there was no need to have streaming mascara too! But, when I say Niza and Chris loved everyone they really showed me so much love even in my pain. I was showered in items from CVS and constantly given anything I needed to help ease some of my discomfort. I was so impressed with their selflessness on THEIR big day. They really are something special. 

And if I am being truly honest, if they would not have been so gracious I am not sure how we could have made it through. Besides, the normal to-dos of a wedding day, we have the instruction of a one-eyed wedding planner, pouring rain on our ceremony and dinner set up, unseasonable heat of the upper 90's with about 100% humidity, and film crew trying to make Mostly Becky's promotional film. Even reliving this day I still feel some of the pain. Like I said, Niza and Chris were SO gracious to us. But, we think it turned out stunning! I mean see for yourself. 

florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals-bridesmaids-champagne-dresses
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
florida-wedding-backyard-ceremony-la-casa-toscana-fort-myers-florida-black-tie-bowtie-wedding-dress-white-roses-outdoor-wedding-photo-veranda-white-linen-barn-tables-chandelier-crystals
Another iPhone picture.

Another iPhone picture.

So what do you think? We loved how it turned out so much we wanted to create a film to show it off. You can see it here. After this event, we have never been more certain that people are worth more than any detail. When you are surrounded by the love others exemplifying Christ everyone will be successful. Thank you Niza & Chris for sharing your day with us! If we could, we'd do it ALL over again. 

Can you believe that this venue is now available for rent? We couldn’t be more excited to share in this beautiful space serving the people of South West Florida! Come check us out!

 

Thanks to Echo Cinematics for their beautiful film and patience! 

And a special thanks to Maria Glassford Photography for allowing us to show off her beautiful images! 

Becky was amazing to say the least! I had an outdoor wedding in Florida, and of course it poured. my reception area was a disater but Becky and her team made it happen! It looked beyond perfect... So perfect I didn’t even know that everything was knocked down or that things had broken till after the wedding that the photographer shared that with me! I love Becky and her team so much, not only are they professional but they go above and beyond in all areas and really strive to make your day perfect!
— Niza

Tom & Corrine Ames, Iowa

I must say a wedding has never felt more like home than this event!

Corrine, a Wisconsin native, met Tom, her groom, at Iowa State University. What was so special about this event, is Tom's family is from a small town in Iowa.

That small town happens to be the exact town I grew up in! 

ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses
iowa-state-university-memorial-union-ames-iowa-veue-bride-getting-ready

Unknown to me, the world just kept getting smaller and smaller during the planning season. And after all the introductions of families and friends, I have never felt more at home. Both Corrine's and Tom's families are some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. It is truly a pleasure to share some of the images from their big day! 

ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-iowa venue
ames-iowa-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-iowa venue
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor
iowa-venue-iowa-state-memorial-union-ames-winter-wedding
iowa-venue-iowa-state-university-memorial-union-ames-iowa-bride-groom-winter-wedding

ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-pine-cones
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-iowa venue
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-iowa venue

Thanks Dust Studios for all your hard work & sharing with us! xoxo

ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-iowa venue
ames-iowa-memorial-union-winter-wedding-navy-dresses-christmas-decor-iowa venue
Iowa-venue-iowa-state-university-memorial-union-ames-winter-wedding

And to the real rock stars, who made this event happen! THANK YOU! 

Ceremony Venue: Grace Evangelical Free Church

Reception Venue: Memorial Union Iowa State University

Wedding Planner: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

Rentals: Iowa State Memorial Union

Florals: Chicken Shed Primitives

Photographer: Dust Studios

Videographer: Dust Studios

DJ: In Your Ear Mobile Sound

 

Erin & Shawn Fort Dodge, Iowa

When I received a call from Erin this past spring, I was immediately excited to start on her wedding. Erin was soft spoken, sweet, and super gentle. Her words were so appreciative. I could not have asked for a better bride. 

Erin grew up in my same hometown, so planning a wedding at "home" was a gift in itself. I am so grateful to share just a peek of what her day was like. 

iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-golden-hour-bride-groom-portraits
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-white-roses-wedding-ring
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-bride-getting-ready
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-bride-getting-ready
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-bride-getting-ready
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-bride-groom-portraits-white-veil-sleeveless-dress
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-sleeveless-dress-pink-coral-bouquet
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-sleeveless-dress-first-look
2014-11-12_0014.jpg

I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did! 

iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-sleeveless-dress-pink-coral-bouquet
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-groom-black-tie-tux
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian

iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian-dad-walks-bride-down-the-aisle
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-first-presbyterian-church-ceremony
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian-first-kiss
grand-exit-iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian-bird-seed
grand-exit-iowa-venue-fort-dodge-church-ceremony-first-presbyterian-bride-groom

iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-wedding-recepetion
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-decor-purple-pink-flowers
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-decor-head-table
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-decor-purple-pink-flowers
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-golden-hour-bride-groom-portraits
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-golden-hour-bride-groom-portraits
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-golden-hour-bride-groom-portraits
iowa-venue-fort-dodge-willow-ridge-golf-course-golden-hour-bride-groom-portraits

This event was proudly brought to you by all these amazing vendors! 

Thanks for letting us share in your special day Shawn & Erin! Congrats! 

I am so thankful for Mostly Becky! Planning a wedding gets stressful, and I can’t imagine having someone with experience to help with the process. Becky was so helpful every step of the way. So many people commented on how stress-free my wedding day was (everyone from the mother of the bride to the photographer). Even the best man acknowledged how organized and knowledgable Becky was throughout the rehearsal and wedding day. I give Becky and her staff full credit for making everything run smoothly and allowing me (the bride) to just enjoy the day! I recommend her to anyone who is in the wedding planning process!
— Erin

A Wedding Surprise in Des Moines, Iowa

One thing I truly do love about my job, is no matter how many weddings I have planned (way too many to count), there is never a single one that is the same. The Wedding Day has become a beautiful opportunity to show your individual uniqueness. 

I am often asked, "What is the craziest wedding you have done?" And it is my pleasure to share with you a little story about 3 beautiful people I got the pleasure of knowing, just a little bit. It may not be the craziest, but is one of the specialist moments I have be lucky enough to be apart of. 

"Hi, I am looking for help planning my reception. Here's the thing, my husband and I are already married and we have a beautiful son. I am really looking for a great party,  with amazing decor and really just a great party! Do you think you can help" And of course I jumped on the opportunity! Events that are out of the ordinary are my specialty! Within a few weeks, I knew this would be an event I would really enjoy planning. 

"Hi Becky, so glad we could talk, well, I have some news....I'm pregnant and I was thinking, I would love to reveal the gender of the baby at the reception, do you think that is something we can pull off?" 

Immediately I started to brainstorm with my lovely bride. Together we came up with a one-of-a-kind gender reveal.....A BALLOON DROP over the dance floor! That was it! How was I going to pull this off? 

gender-reveal-ideas-balloon-drop-jasper-winery-desmoines-iowa

The problem, most balloon drops, or should I say ALL balloon drops are transparent! So, after many dead-ends, my amazing assistant and I just made one! I will spare you the grueling details of this process. But, I will tell you this. We got it put together, hung up on the vaulted ceiling, and no balloons were in sight! 

That nigh before the reception, I could hardly sleep. I was so nervous, I had no clue if my balloon drop would be still connected to the ceiling when I arrived in the morning. 

gender-reveal-ideas-balloon-drop-jasper-winery-desmoines-iowa

But, to my surprise, it was there! And no colored balloons could be seen. I was ecstatic! After being cornered by many guests who were trying their best to bribe me to spill the secret the time finally came for the gender of the baby to be revealed. 

This moment was priceless, and I was so blessed to be apart of it! 
Thank you Quinn for allowing me into such a beautiful moment in your life! 

XoXo

 

gender-reveal-ideas-balloon-drop-jasper-winery-desmoines-iowa
gender-reveal-ideas-balloon-drop-jasper-winery-desmoines-iowa
gender-reveal-ideas-balloon-drop-jasper-winery-desmoines-iowa

It's a girl!!!