This is Abby + Danny

Extraordinary circumstances brought Abby and Danny to each other, and they have experienced nothing but extraordinary circumstances ever since.  A courtship and romance that swept not only them, but their friends and family off their feet, a seamless blending of extended families and a wedding day that boasted a pink super moon and defied the looming threat of mother nature!

This is 4 minutes of unabashed love and gratitude from Abby and Danny to each other and their treasured family and friends.

This, my friends, is Abby + Danny.

Video Credit: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Amanda + Scott: Sarasota Beach Wedding {Sneak Peek!}

I don't think I have ever smiled more while browsing a gallery of wedding mages!

Are the images flawless? {shot on film, mind you}

ABSOLUTELY.

But, there is so much more to the pristine quality of this fine art photography.  These are moments.  Pure, authentic and timeless moments that were in abundance this entire wedding weekend.

I had to start by posting a sneak peek for you for a few reasons.  To wet your whistle, of course {'wink!} to keep browsing and smiling through Each. And. Every. Image, and truth be told, wipe away some happy tears!

This is Amanda.  I. MEAN ... 

Her bouquet made by Ian Prosser, owner of Botanica International Design Studio was everything. {Amanda squealed. Me too!}

Now you know I love a good reveal! Could her bridesmaids be any sweeter? {or excited?!}

Chuppah!

Amanda always dreamed of a beach wedding.  Dreams really do come true!

From beach to ballroom, we still had to bring the outdoors in,  This floating centerpiece did just the trick!

Theres is no question that Amanda set the tone for this impeccable wedding.  Her demeanor, smile and laughter were contagious, and there was nothing the rest of us could do about it, except to submit and go along on this deliriously splendid ride!

And I'll raise my glass to that!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

Dress: BHLDN

Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio | Ian Prosser Productions

Photography and Video: Flora and Fauna | Love Flora and Fauna

Hair and Makeup: Ana Molinari Salon

Drape: Swag Décor

Linen: Over the Top Linen

Wedding Moments: A Classic Wedding Send-Off

Classic!

Remember the days of yesteryear when the bride would slip away from the dinner and dancing towards the end of the wedding reception to change into her getaway outfit, which was presumably for her to jet off on her honeymoon?

Why on earth did we get away from that? If you can't guess, I;m all in favor of another outfit. [SHOCKER]

The newly wed, Mrs. Daniela Ackerman opted for a sweet lace mini dress with a navy liner to bid farewell to her adoring guests.

These moments were priceless and whimsical with an environmentally friendly confetti toss, Ecofetti, and captured at the precisely perfect moment by {another newlywed!} Abby DiDomenico with Liga Photography

Cheers!

xx, LS

REAL WEDDINGS: ERICA AND SHAWN AT THE RITZ CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES, TAKE 2!

I've been looking forward to sharing just a fraction of the beautiful imagery from Root Photography for Erica and Shawn's wedding for some time now.

I mentioned it's been bittersweet to cull images and reminisce, but I've put on my big girl stilettos, and have decided that  I am all the better for having two incredible opportunities to work with such a loving and supportive family. They can't get rid of me just quite yet!

Perhaps I'll start with the end.  This is my favorite image, and certainly not because it's the best photo I've ever posed for, but because it was one of the last songs of the evening, and the Landis/Landau/Sickel ladies pulled me aside for this moment.  This was 3 + years in the making and I loved every meeting, every phone call, every text and email.

Nothing but love.

I know, I know, you've stopped by to look at the "pretty."  Well, I've got pretty for you, alright!

Let's start with Erica's dress by Kenneth Pool: I was at Solutions Bridal when we had Kate, {mom} Vicky {Sister} and a slew of fun bridesmaids.  We all agreed Erica could have worn wear a burlap sack and still look smashing, nit when she stepped out in this??  Let's just say tears were shed. I wasn't alone! *wink

From dress, to veil to the delivery of her delicate, lush bouquet, the pretty just kept coming. Kinda' like a one-two "style punch!"

I love these sisters.

Grooms look dapper, and have fun while getting ready too! At least Shawn did!

When designing a wedding in a larger hotel, I always like to claim my space and carve my niche on our designated side.  I think we let everyone know that this area was especially for Erica, Shawn, their families and treasured wedding guests with the application of this dramatic and elegant draping by Swag Décor.  Below, is the entrance to the foyer that led guests to the ceremony and reception spaces.

Ceremony time!  THAT CHUPPAH!  How many ribbons?? I couldn't even guess!

Proud parents.  This makes me so happy!

Just married, and just breathtaking.

On to the reception!  Guests enjoyed finding their ombré hues escort cards on this custom built display.

Reception details for the win!

Party, party, party!  And wedding streamers for life!

Love was certainly in the air! Clint Wiley and his lead female vocalist are now getting married!

Erica had so many girlfriends at the wedding she had hoped would catch the bouquet.  I didn't have the heart to just have one "win," so we made twelve! We had happy and surprised girls just after this award-winning toss!

Finally, a sweet and signature send off for guests as they made their way back to their guest rooms and/or valet. Dunkin Donuts!  Kate is a legendary, life-long and loyal patron!

I hope you had as much fun being a virtual guest at Erica and Shawn's wedding, as I did reminiscing, love bugs!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Bridal Gown, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids Gowns: Solutions Bridal

Venue: The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Photography: Root Photography | Nathan and Jensey Root

Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral Design and Chuppah: Lee Forrest Design

Wedding Stationery: 2u Creative

Lighting: Get Lit Productions

Band: Clint Wiley and the None Other Band

Drape: Swag Decor

Real Weddings: Erica and Shawn at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

I have been meaning for some time to share this gem of a wedding, and in many ways, I think that in doing so, I would be saying goodbye to this experience and this family forever. [SAD FACE]

You see, I did The Landis' first daughter, Vicky's wedding exactly 3 years [Mother's Day Weekend] prior and everything about planning with mom Kate, Vicky and ultimately meeting Erica, and her then beau Shawn was GOLD.

I held out hope to someday have the opportunity to plan Erica's wedding, and my wish came true!

Erica's personality is effervescent, joyous and whimsical, just as her wedding day turned out to be!

I cannot wait to share the beautiful images from Root Photography with you next week, but I thought you could start the weekend off right with a whole lotta' family love and one heck of a party with their highlight video!

Landis family, I LOVE YOU!  [to bits and bits!]

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Photography: Root Photography [and long live #stoneroo!]

Video: The Mister!/Jeffrey Stoner Video

Gather | Memorial Day Entertaining with a Twist!

To start, let me get to the core of Memorial Day, and why we, as Americans, have the privilege to celebrate such an honorable day. There is a great and profound meaning behind this 3 day weekend which speaks louder than beach bonanzas, BBQ parties and enjoying an extra day off off work.

As a refresher,  Memorial Day is a holiday observed on the last Monday in May that is meant to honor and remember those who died in the military while serving their country. 

Now that we have our heads and hearts in the right place, it's time to gather!

I like to start off the morning with blueberry scones, ice cold milk and, of course, some patriotic napkins:

As with any gathering, formal or informal, I always consider some key variables that I always implement: 

SETTING THE STAGE:

Weather permitting, we are taking our shin-dig outdoors, and though my mother in law is the hostess this year, she has given me, shall we say. creative license. *wink!

Red, white and blue is the palette, naturally, and really not much is needed.  We'll rely on fun accents like patterned napkins, [above] decorative straws, accent pillows and American flags galore. Most everything procured came from World Market, which was practical and cost-effective!

TUNES:

The Mister typically manages the playlists for all of our gatherings, but he's off the hook this holiday as his work schedule has been bustling.  Thank goodness for Pop Sugar whose list is just the perfect fit!

1. "Summer Love" — Justin Timberlake
2. "School's Out" — Alice Cooper
3. "Standing on the Shore" — Empire of the Sun
4. "Summertime" — Langhorne Slim & The Law
5. "When the Sun Goes Down" — Arctic Monkeys
6. "King of the Beach" — Wavves
7. "Blister in the Sun" — Violent Femmes
8. "Beach Comber" — Real Estate
9. "Summer Nights" — Rascal Flatts
10. "Beach Side" — Kings of Leon
11. "The Boys of Summer" — Don Henley
12. "The Summer" — Coconut Records
13. "Beach Monster" — STRFKR
14. "Summertime Sadness" — Lana Del Rey
15. "Cruel Summer" — Bananarama

SPIRITS:

Something that is light, refreshing and colorful is what's in order for this soirée, and this Red, White and Blue Sangria fits the bill perfectly!

Strawberries, sliced, blueberries pineapple, cut into star shapes, 2 bottles dry white wine, 1 cup triple sec, 1/2 cup berry-flavored vodka, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup. Combine ingredients in a large pitcher & stir. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

MENU:

I mentioned I wanted to entertain this Memorial Day with a twist.  I know the go-to is burgers, hot dogs and ribs, but you all know me better than that by now, don't you?

This season, I am all about grilling anything and everything from protein to fruit and even some surprises in between!

First , the pièce de résistance, grilled oysters, inspired by my new favorite go-to place for anything oysters, The Oyster Pub, local to me here in Florida. [Daytona Beach] 

Friends, they GRILL the oysters in a way that I have never experienced oysters before! You owe it to yourself to visit and order plenty, they go fast!

Next, anything from romaine, avocados, corn and watermelon, everything is fair game.  Everything tastes better with that wonderful charred flavor!

When looking for a twist on recipes, I always check out my savvy, blogger-friend Tieghan curator of Half Baked Harvest.

She must have been channeling my needs for all things grilled and fresh, and I can;t think of anything else I would want to serve this weekend like pork tenderloins with balsamic strawberries and salad in a jar.  Perfect portions!

Some assembly required: 

Happy Memorial Day Weekend friends!  I hope you will take the time to reflect, thank a soldier or veteran and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the very freedoms we het to experience this weekend and every day.

xx, LS

Image Source: Clip Art Photo

Sources:

World Market

Pinterest

Half Baked Harvest

The Oyster Pub, Daytona Beach

Farm Wedding | One Love at The Ritz Carlton's Whisper Creek Farm

When I was approached by the sales and marketing team at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to style a newly renovated ballroom and their working farm, Whisper Creek to showcase two beautifully styled weddings for their new print and digital collateral, I was flattered to say the least!

As much as I love to sink my teeth into a ballroom design, I was eager to flex some design muscles at the farm in particular.  Outdoor events has it's own challenges, of course,  but half of the work is done for you compliments of mother nature. I wanted this to be rustic, relaxed, yet refined, and I think you will agree that the design team and I checked all of the boxes there!

I loved the use of magnolia leaf garlands from right here in sunny Florida with complimenting hues of soft, smoky purples, including fresh lavender which smelled divine!

Brussels sprouts and kumquats straight from the farm!

The next honor with this styled shoot was that it dovetailed perfectly with a workshop hosted by Orlando photographer, Kathy Thomas called One Love which taught accredited wedding professionals on same sex weddings. I was honored to partake, and proud to be same sex wedding certified!

Lisa and Jenn were recently married, and I was moved to tears watching them enjoy this day and seeing the love shine from their eyes!

The Rivini gown an jumpsuit from Solutions Bridal was TO. DIE. FOR!

Below image courtesy of Stephanie Dishman:

Whether it's a farm wedding or outdoor entertaining, don't force your environment to look like something it isn't. Use what's available around you, and you will be certain to host an effortless fête!

xx, LS

THE TEAM:

Photographer: Nick Edmundson

Venue: Whisper Creek Farm

Floral Design: Raining Roses Productions

Scroll Menu, Placemats and Table Runner: Kim McFadden | Chalk Shop 

Furniture: AFR Furniture Rental

Hair and Makeup: Kristy Alonzo | Kristy's Artistry Design Team

Wedding Gown and Jumpsuit: Solutions Bridal

Personal Wardrobe Styling: Tammara Kohler | Fused Fashion

Table Sign: Amy Morelli | 2u Creative

Courtney and Noah at The Alfond Inn: Part II: The Highlight Video!

A picture-perfect day flooded with sunshine, friends that are thick as thieves and the warmth, love and unending support of two families coming together for this once exceptional couple. That is the story that is Courtney and Noah's wedding day.

Imagery is timeless and beautiful, but video, my friends, captures nuances, mannerisms and a different emotion.  

This was an especially poignant reminder as Courtney lost her beloved Pappy shortly after this perfect day. I know that she, and the entire family were not only grateful that he could be there on their wedding day, but also forever more in their wedding video memories.

I'm so pleased to share with you this loving and fun video masterfully done by Jeffrey Stoner. [otherwise known as the Mister!]

xx, LS