Wedding Dress Shopping!

The time had come to go dress shopping! Any excuse to go shopping, right? My mom and I set out to tackle wedding boutiques in Tampa. In one day we hit David's Bridal, Diana's Bridal, Olga's Bridal Boutique, and Alfred Angelo. Whew! There were A LOT of dresses and we had very different experiences at each location.

I think each bride tries David's Bridal because of the convenience for the entire bridal party. Convenience was pretty much all I got out of it. Even with an appointment, my consultant often left me to assist other customers while I was just standing in a dress I didn't care for. Next!

Down the block was Diana's Bridal. Maybe David's wife? With one quick look around, my mom and I knew that we weren't the demographic that Diana had in mind for her target market. Let's just say we saw more quinceañera dresses than bridal gowns. Moving on!

Next we went to Olga's Bridal. I was excited for this one because it carried the designer I was interested in. I found two dresses that I liked A LOT however the customer service there was HORRIBLE! I tried on the dresses with my clothes on underneath due to the lack of service! At least David's Bridal had it right by being prepared with the correct undergarments and bustles. Olga's wins worst customer service award in my opinion!

Our last stop of the day was Alfred Angelo. What a nice change and breath of fresh air! My consultant Christie was phenomenal! She was very knowledgeable and patient! Although the gowns were very pretty, I could not get the other two from Olga's Bridal out of my head. Being that I did not want to go back to Olga's Bridal, I decided to research if other stores in the area carried the designer I wanted. No other stores in Tampa carried it but there was one in St. Petersburg ... needless to say, the appointment is already set for next week!!!

To be continued ...

Save the Date!!

The date has officially been set! Sean and are will be married on ....


OCTOBER 01, 2011 at Victoria Belle Mansion in Hogansville, Georgia 

We can't wait! 

My [Other] Dream Man

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

David Tutera is coming to Georgia in September and I AM GOING TO MEET HIM! And I am BEYOND excited!!!! September cannot come sooner!

September 11, 2010

V.I.P. Cocktail Party With David Tutera Upclose and Personal!

Saturday Evening in the Grand Ballroom
Semi-Formal Dress

• White Glove Passed Hor d’ouevres provided by Gabriels Desserts of Marietta
  Complimentary Beer and Wine served in The Pub (Indoor Bar)
• Enjoy your complimentary Mimosas outside at Carmen Veranda’s Bar & Deck
• Book Signing of David’s New Book, “The Big White Book of Weddings” which will be on sale at the event
• Professional Photographer and Videographer will be on hand
• Parting gift bags with party favors for each guest
• Valet Parking
• Silent Auction/Proceeds go to Alzheimers Association Georgia Chapter

The Tutera Touch: Wedding Presentation and Book Signing

September 12, 2010

Join Celebrity Wedding Planner, Bridal Designer and host of WeTV’s
“My Fair Wedding” David Tutera at Che’ne Rouge to learn how to create the personalized wedding of your dreams.

View images of some of some of his favorite weddings as he demonstrates examples of ways you can add the Tutera Touch to your own wedding!

• Elegant Bridal Fashion featuring Savvi Formal Wear & Elaine. M. Bridal
• Intermission at Twelve; lunch is served provided by G & W Catering
• The Tutera Touch: Creating A Wedding With Personal Style
• Questions & Answers; There will also be plenty of time to ask him questions!
• Book Purchase & Signing of David Tutera's new book, “The Big White Book of Weddings”
• Professional Photographer and Videographer will be on hand

Georgia Engagement Pictures are Here!!!

A BIG THANK YOU to Jason Meek of jm photographics for taking these amazing photos. We couldn't be more happy with how they came out!!

Check them out at Georgia Engagement Pictures

If you're in need of a photographer check out jm photographics

Reading Material!

These are just from my trip to Georgia! Perfect pool side reading!

Georgia Bridal Expo

What are the chances that the same weekend we visit Georgia, the HUGE Georgia Bridal Expo would also be going on? I think it's fate! I loved our "Bride" and "Groom" stickers! Sean was so excited to be there, can't you tell!

I talked Sean into getting into one of those money booths. He caught $220 which goes towards tux rentals. The sales represented doubled it and gave us more discounts. In all, we received $720 off all the tux rentals! See, I know how to save money! :)

Location! Location! Location!

Sean and I finally were able to get away and visit Georgia to search for venues. I was looking for the perfect southern mansion. We visited 3 beautiful places near the Atlanta area.

First stop, Flint Hill Mansion. A beautiful home built in 1835 in Norcross. Sean loved this one after hearing "Sports Team Ice Cream Bar." Everything being told to us went in one ear and out the other. All he could think about was USF Bulls ice cream!

Next up was The Whitlock Inn in downtown Marietta. This home is set right off the charming Marietta Square. We decided to look at this venue not so much for the "Southern Mansion" aspect, but more because it was in my hometown. Built in 1900 it is considered the most beautiful bed and breakfast in Georgia. Beautiful is was, but it wasn't what we were looking for.

Our last stop was the one that I was most excited about. Early Friday morning we set out for Hogansville, GA. Being a Georgia native, I had never heard of such a city! However it is about 20 minutes south of Newnan. We arrived VERY early so we decided that we would check out the city and find nice hotels and restaurants for future planning.

We turned off the exit and all poor Sean could see was small town country! Hogansville is very, VERY, small apparently and it didn't take us very long to find the Piggly Wiggly! Haha! Downtown Hogansville yet small, was very pretty and welcoming. I do believe the movie Sweet Home Alabama shot the scene where Reese Witherspoon visits the the bank in that very city.

We found this gem nestled right off the main street of downtown Hogansville and it was love at first sight. Introducing Victoria Belle Mansion.

The house, the grounds, even the owner/wedding consultant were absolutely perfect!

Now it's time to crunch numbers and see if these beautiful houses are something we can make happen! More to come when a decision is made ...

Party Time!

The first chance we got, Sean and I took off for Georgia to celebrate our engagement with the family and friends that couldn't be there for the proposal. My best friend, and matron of honor, hosted our bbq themed engagement party. Being that I LOVE to plan parties I couldn't resist helping with the planning! So I made favor cookies and the decorations! It was so much fun!!!


I LOVE party planning!






Georgia friends!