SOME SAY
FLORIDA
ISN'T PART
OF THE
SOUTH,
BUT WE
KNOW
A FEW
BRIDES
WHO BEG
TO DIFFER.
They spent their wedding
days honoring tradition
and incorporating
their way of life into
the celebrations (and
with more than just
mason jars). Peruse their
beautiful venues, from
ranches to cottages, and
see if their special décor
touches could be perfect
for your Southern
ceremony. If you need
blooms on a budget,
check out our guide to
getting perfect flowers
on the cheap. We’ve even
gathered some of our
state’s best venues for
you, and we can tell you
exactly how to stage the
perfect dessert station.
Oh, and Lori and Monte
of TLC’s Say Yes to the
Dress: Atlanta have a
few words of advice, too.
Need we say more?
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
43
Photos courtesy of Footstone Photography, footstonephotography.com.
ALL IT
TOOK FOR
SHELBY
AND CORY
TO FALL
IN LOVE
with Santa Fe River Ranch was
a quick Google search for “barn
wedding in Florida.” (She may or
may not have booked the venue
before Cory actually proposed!)
Even with cattle-dotted pastures
and a massive, beautiful barn, this
couple still found ways to make
their wedding even more Southern
special. Shelby rode in with her
father in a carriage, and the couple
made their grand exit the same
way. Cory himself built the arbor
used in the ceremony. Horseshoe
table numbers and lacey mason
jar luminaries topped the tables.
The bride and groom even created
their very own registered cattle
brand, a recurring touch on many
of their decorations, including
their guest “log.”
44
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
Say
Yes
To
The
Dress
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
45
interview by Katie McPherson
l: Southern brides are definitely outspoken, as are
their mothers and grandmothers, and they’ll tell you
what they want. But I like that—that’s how you find
the dress of your dreams. I think Southern brides
always are going to give a nod to tradition. She may
have a wedding dress cut to her belly button, but her
parents’ wedding date is monogrammed on the slip.
I think they really like a long train because we sell a
lot of long trains and long veils.
m: A Southern bride is different because she’s
rooted deep in tradition. They really look at their
venue. They’ll come in with a vision. And they’re
keeping it very traditional, like getting married
on their grandfather’s land, so you can feel a lot
of heritage.
OS: What do Southern
brides look for in a
dress, and how are
they unique?
L
Courtesy of TLC
ori Allen and Monte Durham
are two TV personalities you
probably know and love already.
Their rambunctious expertise is what
suits them to helping Southern belles
find their dream dresses and makes
Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta so bingewatchable. Ocala Style chatted with
Lori and Monte about behind-thescenes secrets and what they think
you should wear this season.
OS: How did Bridals by Lori
become part of SYTTD?
lori: Say Yes was looking to expand the franchise, and we were
contacted along with other stores. We shot a pilot, and we got the go
ahead in no time. I think our strong suit is our Southern roots. They had
Kleinfeld showing the Northern bride and what goes on there, and I think
they wanted some Southern flair. TLC really showcases small businesses
and owners with a passion for what they do.
monte: And you have to remember most bridal stores are very
small, but Lori’s has 24,000 square feet, so there’s plenty of room for a
runway and cameras and tech guys to run around. We’re going into our
ninth season, and we’re very excited and proud!
OS: What is a typical day of
filming like?
m:
We have a call time, so that’s sort of like punching the clock to
normal 9-to-5 people, but our day is hardly normal or 9 to 5. We go into
makeup, and then we are sequestered in Lori’s office so we are not told
anything about the bride or the bride’s story. Then they’ll call us; we’ll get
mic’d and put up on the runway, and we meet the bride at the same time
you first see her on the screen. We wrap up depending on the bride and
the story. Some stories are very emotional, and they may take us a little
longer to comfort and find the right dress. No day would be complete
without a bride saying yes to a dress!
l: I love this about our show: It really is reality. We really don’t know
a whole lot about what’s going on. Today they said “the bride is getting
married in three months,” and that’s all we knew, and that’s how it could be
on a busy Saturday. We film until around 3, and then I run the store so my
day’s not over then.
46
SEP’15 ocala
ocalastyle.com
OS: What's one of your
most memorable moments
from filming?
m:
I have a lot of favorites. I think any of the filming we’ve done, the
memorable moments are when a bride turns to the mirror and says yes
to a dress. It makes what I do worth it. We had one bride, Nikki Johnson,
who was from a group of sisters who had never gotten married, and she
was determined to do that and we helped her. Her spirit and her gumption
really inspired me.
l: I’d say one of my favorite shows was Hope Cross. She was engaged
and found out... that her fiancé had Lou Gehrig’s disease. To be that strong,
to go ahead with the wedding knowing what was ahead for them and she
was going to be a caretaker… some girls would’ve run, but she didn’t. She
was such an amazing person, and we’ve kept in touch. She meant those
vows when she said them. I can still watch that show and cry.
OS: What are your favorite
bridal trends for this season?
l: I like how strapless is kind of going by the wayside. We’re starting to
see higher necklines and sleeves. It’s nice that we’re having a little more
coverage and we don’t have to see brides yanking up their strapless dress
during a ceremony. It’s becoming a norm for designers to offer gowns in
colors, like blush. There’s not one set trend—there’s a lot of things going on
in bridal right now.
m: Sweetheart neckline is still the No. 1, soft A-lines, organic fabrics like
organza and English tulle, appliques on the gowns, illusion necklines and
sleeves. Low backs are coming back up and adding buttons, sashes and
OS: What do you love
most about working
in the wedding
industry?
l: I love problems. I like to get a girl in here who’s
insecure or arguing with her mother or has looked
in 15 stores and just can’t find a fit. I love to make
her happy and see her smile. That’s my delight.
m: I truly am like a fairy godfather, and that’s
amazing. I tell you, working in the bridal industry,
going to markets and the opportunities TLC has
supported me with are unbelievable, and that’s all
because I’m in this industry. It’s ever changing, but
it’s also steeped in tradition. And I get to work with
my best friend. How lucky am I?
OS: What are some
common reasons
brides have trouble
saying yes to a dress?
m:
I think you get engaged, what an incredible
experience; then you want to run out and get
a dress. First of all, you bring too many people.
Maybe go in on a Wednesday or Thursday when
the salon is emptier by yourself, then come in with
everyone later. Remember magazines are modeled,
so you want to look at real weddings online. And
be mindful. This is the dress of your dreams. Don’t
stop until you find it.
l: Sometimes brides don’t want this experience
to end. They dream of trying on a dress and
having everyone fawn over them, maybe especially
Southern brides. We call them career brides. But the
more you try on, the more confused you’re going
to get. When you find a gown, it’s an emotional
connection. It may not be anything like what she
said she wanted, but she’ll cry, get red in the face and
red in the neck. When this happens, you don’t keep
looking. It may only be the second dress you tried
on. When you connect, it’s time to buy.
OS: What's your
advice for any bride
searching for her
dream dress?
l: Do your homework. Bring some pictures in
and give the consultants a guide. It helps immensely.
Then you need to listen to your consultant; she can
guide you to dresses that [will] look great on you.
Do not bring everybody that you have known since
kindergarten. Some people want to pull up in a bus.
Two or three people at most. You really want Aunt
Gertrude who you haven’t seen in 15 years giving
opinions? She shouldn’t even be here, but she can
sew the seeds of doubt.
m: I always tell the girls there’s three Fs in
dressing. You want to look at the fashion, the fabric
and the fit. If you can line those up, you’ll be great.
What are the trends? Do you want to go with them,
set them or step back from them? With fabric, are
you getting married on the beach? Organza will
roll like the waves. Lace won’t wrinkle so you can
transport it and it looks beautiful in cathedrals
or outside. We all know the most important part
of any garment is fit. Is it sitting properly on the
waist? A gown should fit snugly.
OS: You're best
friends. What makes
your dynamic work,
and why does it
vibe with Southern
brides-to-be?
l: I think our dynamic is so great because we have a
no-holds-barred attitude. We can say anything to each
other, and we do, and we don’t get our feelings hurt.
We know that underneath we love each other. I think
it works with Southern brides because we’re honest.
m: When we come together, we have this great
charisma because we have the same work ethic.
We’re going to work diligently, and we are going
to find you the perfect dress. That’s why we’re such
good partners—that’s what we’re here for and that’s
what we believe in.
Find Out More
bridalsbylori.com
tlc.com/tv-shows/say-yes-to-the-dress-atlanta
Photos courtesy of TLC
S ay Y e s
To The
South
belts. These excite me because I’m in the South, so
I love seeing people bringing the traditions back in
and taking them down the aisle.
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
47
Photos courtesy of Melanie Gabrielle Photography, melaniegabrielle.com.
IS THERE
ANYTHING
LIKE A 1920'S
PLANTATION
HOUSE
surrounded by moss-laden
oaks to give you the perfect Old
Florida feel? The Ribault Club was
perfect for Derek and Meghan’s
soft outdoor wedding. Lanterns
with candles lined the aisle and
adorned the reception tables next
to mismatched-sized glass vases
and antique silver candlesticks.
The overhead lights were perfect
for dinner and dancing, and the
shawl basket at the ceremony made
sure everyone felt cozy during the
nuptials. This couple’s simple, chic
decorations really let the venue and
their newlywed love do the talking.
50
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
ALL
ABOUT
FLOWERS
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
51
SerenityCloset
@ INFINITI
WE CAN DRESS THE ENTIRE WEDDING PARTY AND GUESTS
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Y
ou’ve looked at your budget and met with florists but still aren’t satisfied with your options.
If you get the flowers you want, you might spend a fortune. And, if you stay within your
budget, you might not get the look you want. Or, maybe you don’t want to use flowers for
your bouquets. Whatever you’re going for, it’s important to remember that it’s your day, so you get
to decide what you’ll carry down the aisle—if anything at all. Either way, we’ve put together ways to
save on your wedding flowers and several alternatives to flowers, as well.
TRADITIONAL TRICKS
Larger and fluffier:
Incorporating large, fluffy blooms into your bouquets means you won’t
have to purchase as many flowers. Think hydrangeas, sunflowers and
garden roses.
Fewer types:
It’s cheaper to buy flowers in bulk, so keep the different types of flowers to a
minimum.
Rustic fillers:
Adding wild flowers, baby’s breath or waxflower to your bouquets fills in
the gaps and gives them a rustic look.
Pick your own:
Picking your own flowers will give your
bouquets that fresh-picked look and wild, rustic
feel while saving you lots of money. Put a few of
your maids in charge of gathering and arranging
bouquets the day of your wedding so you don’t
have to worry about it.
Grocery store or
farmers market:
Who says you can’t buy your flowers from the
grocery store or your local farmers’ market? A little
research will help you plan ahead for what types of
flowers will be available near your wedding date.
flowers continue on p.54
52
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
ALASKA
HAWAII
ASIA
Plus, many more destinations to choose from.
With over 60 Years in Business
we know how to plan the
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If your heart’s set on peonies (probably your most expensive option), research
other flower varieties that look similar but cost much less. Keep in mind that
it’s always cheaper to buy flowers that are local and in season. Your florist
should be able to make suggestions, too.
Following the ceremony, have your
bridesmaids decorate different parts of the
reception space by placing bouquets in
preset vases around the room.
E&
Flower varieties:
Reuse ceremony
bouquets:
OC
AL
If you’re planning on having traditional bouquets with real flowers, do
your research, talk to your florist about your budget and keep your
mind open to different types of flowers. Use these strategies to help
stay within your price range while getting the look you want.
We Sell
THE WORLD!
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For more information visit
www.OcalaTravel.com
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info@ocalatravel.com ST12169
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
53
Where each sunset and
great views tells us
a history of your love
continued from p.52
Don’t bust your budget by picking flowers out of your
price range or out of season. Instead, achieve the look
you want with cheaper, similar flowers. Here are a few
common wedding flowers, the time of year that they are in
season and the flowers to swap them for.
flower
Peony
Rose
Hydrangea
Tulip
in
season
Spring
Year-round
similar
flowers
O’Hara
Garden
Rose, Spray
Garden Rose,
Cabbage Rose,
Ranunculus
Begonia,
Carnation,
Ranunculus,
Lisianthus
July through Viburnum,
November
Mountain
Laurel
November
through
May
Japanese
Magnolia,
Crocus
Calla Lily
Winter
Mariposa Lily
through late
spring
Orchid
July through Bearded Iris,
Japanese Iris
November
SIMPLIFY
CENTERPIECES
Instead of large, expensive
floral centerpieces, go for
something simpler like a birdcage filled with ivy and
surrounded by candles. Or, cozy up to decorative lanterns.
Gather an eclectic mix of vintage vases or jars and fill
them with a few sprigs of waxflower, baby’s breath or
daisies. Fill in the extra space on the table with candles,
vintage photo frames or small, potted succulents. But, if
you prefer each table to have a large, floral arrangement,
add greenery to a few large, bold blooms to bulk up each
bouquet without having to buy extra flowers.
GO FOR FAUX
If you’re a DIY queen and want to give your bouquets
a personalized touch that will last forever, use
materials from paper to vintage doorknobs to make
the bouquets of your dreams. Not sure how to get
started? There are lots of tutorials on youtube.com.
Paper: Make big, paper flower blooms, and decorate
with pearls, lace or twine. Personalize them by using creative
paper options. Are you and your future spouse bookworms
or music lovers? Use the pages of vintage books or sheet
music to make the flowers. Or, write your own vows on the
paper of your choice and make your bouquet out of them.
Fabric: From yarn to felt, the options are
practically endless for the creative bride. Mix patterned,
neutral or floral fabrics to match your wedding’s theme.
Pearls, brooches, buttons
or knobs: Visit your local craft, thrift or
consignment shops to find the materials you’re looking
for. Make bouquets of brooches, pearls, buttons or vintage
doorknobs to complement your wedding.
Fake flowers: More and more brides
are buying fake flowers from craft stores to make their
bouquets. It’s cheaper and easier to use fake flowers, and
with options like burlap blooms and larger, colorful ones,
you can achieve the look you want for a fraction of the
cost of real flowers.
ALTERNATE
OPTIONS
For a non-traditional touch, forget flowers altogether
and pick a fun, unique or personal object that fits your
style and wedding theme. Lanterns, cotton or dried rye
are fitting options for country weddings, while lavender and feathers work well for more elegant, outdoor
ceremonies. From pinwheels to parasols, have fun
picking that perfect addition to your wedding.
54
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
Sources: weddingbee.com, gardenguides.com, theknot.com, ehow.com, bridalguide.com, weddingideasmag.com, huffingtonpost.com, popsugar.com,
azflowermarket.com, intimateweddings.com, hubpages.com, insideweddings.com, homeguides.sfgate.com, lover.ly
FLOWER SWAPS
I can’t say “I do” without you!
Debbie Cliburn
Ocala Jockey Club
352-591-1212
WWW.OCALAJC.COM
8720 W. HW Y 318 • REDDI C K , FL 32686
Independent Designer
www.debbiecliburn.origamiowl.com
352-362-8549
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2139-B NE 2nd Street, Ocala | 1-844-LIFESTYLE | LSMEDSPA.COM
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
55
Photos courtesy of Trevor + Allison Photography, trevorandallison.com.
M I N I AT UR E
DOCKS
S E RV E D A S
centerpieces, and deck chairs
and anchors decorated Dave and
Katie’s waterfront wedding at Swor
Cottage. A mix of twine-wrapped
bottles and burlap banners gave this
wedding a rustic vibe, but a canoe
filled with ice and beverages resting
on hay bales and unique touches
like oars for guests to sign, a tackle
box and a ship’s steering wheel
provided a nautical twist. Dave and
Katie expressed their personal style
and love for life on the water in this
seafaring celebration.
WHERE
TO SAY
"I DO"
We Do, But
Where?
A
ll the dreamy wedding photos in the
world are excellent for inspiration, but
when it’s time to start planning, it helps
to know where to go. We’ve compiled some of
our fair state’s best venues for you in one place.
Who knows? The location of your special day
could be right here on this list.
timeless houses
Plantation on Crystal River
9301 W Fort Island Trl., Crystal River | (352) 795-4211 |
plantationoncrystalriver.com
The Grumbles House
20799 Walnut St., Dunnellon | (352) 465-1460 |
dunnellonfloridaantiques.com
The Ribault Club
11241 Fort George Rd., Fort George Island (Jacksonville) |
(904) 251-1050 | theribaultclub.com
Bellemoor Plantation
3500 SE 107th Pl., Ocala | (352) 553-8595 | plantationparkevents.com
La Casa of Mason Creek
romantic ranches
Santa Fe River Ranch
29220 NW 122nd St., Alachua | (352) 317-0276 | santaferiverranch.com
Grand Oaks Resort & Museum
3000 Marion County Rd., Lady Lake | (352) 750-5500 | thegrandoaks.com
6850 S Hancock Rd., Homosassa | (352) 228-0308
Sweetwater Branch Inn
625 E University Ave., Gainesville | (352) 373-6760 | sweetwaterinn.com
Stephen Foster Folk
Culture Center State Park
11016 Lillian Saunders Dr. / US HWY 41 North, White Springs |
(386) 397-4331 | plantationparkevents.com
Ocala Jockey Club
8720 West Highway 318, Reddick | (352) 591-1212 | ocalajc.com
Wishing Well Barn
4302 Pippin Rd., Plant City | (813) 478-6554 | wishingwellbarn.com
Lakeside Ranch
4554 Windmill Dr., Inverness | (813) 493-6626 | lakeside-ranch.com
haute
hotels
& clubhouses
Country Club of Ocala
6823 SE 12th Cir., Ocala | (352) 237-6644 | thecountryclubofocala.com
on the water
Eaton' s Beach
15790 SE 134th Ave., Weirsdale | (352) 259-2444 | eatonsbeach.com
Swor Cottage
15050 SE 140th Ave. Rd., Weirsdale | (352) 630-9809 |
lakeweirfamilyvacations.com
Waterfront Inn
1105 Lake Shore Dr., The Villages | (352) 753-7535 | waterfrontinnvillages.com
The Retreat at Bradley' s Pond
9002 Bradley Rd., Tallahassee | (850) 561-6328 | bradleyspond.com
Silver Springs Park
1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala | (352) 236-7148 | silversprings.com
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
4990 NE 180th Ave., Williston | (352) 529-0055 |
cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com
58
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
Hilton Ocala
3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala | (352) 854-1400 | hiltonocala.com
Hampton Inn
3601 SW 38th Ave., Ocala | (352) 867-0300 |
ocalahamptoninnandsuites.com
Black Diamond Ranch
Country Club
3125 W Black Diamond Cir., Lecanto | (352) 746-3446 |
blackdiamondranch.com
Courtyard by Marriott
3712 SW 38th Ave., Ocala | (352) 237-8000 | marriott.com
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Ocala Conference Center
3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala | (352) 629-9500 | ocalainn.com
Baughman Center
982 Museum Rd., Gainesville | (352) 294-0049 |
performingarts.ufl.edu/venues
Photos courtesy of Trevor + Allison Photography, trevorandallison.com.
ZACH AND
KELSEY'S
MAY
WEDDING
STOOD OUT
with the vibrant colors of
sunflowers and royal blue elements.
A gazebo, trimmed in lace and
ribbons, along with barrels and
wood pallets for tables dressed their
wedding in rustic elegance, and
the green lawns of the Bellemoor
Plantation created a bright
backdrop. This couple’s fresh take
on outdoor weddings featured
details like an old-fashioned pickup
and a wedding-themed game of
corn hole.
ALL
ABOUT
STATIONS
62
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
63
Photo by Jessica Kirkland, pnpflowersinc.com
RUSTIC
POPCORN
BAR
Grab a cart, several seasonings and
toppings, popcorn and barrels. Add
a few signs, and your popcorn bar is
ready for guests. Hors d’oeuvres were
never better!
CANDY STATION
For a twist on the well-known (and well–loved) candy station, spray paint
an old cart or wicker stand in shimmery gold. Fill glass canisters with all
kinds of sugary goodness, and top it off with an elegant sign.
candy craze
Sweet Pete’s
400 N Hogan St., Jacksonville
(904) 376-7161
sweetpetescandy.com
64
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists
Collective, theweddingac.com
Find Out More
FORMAL WEAR
bridal • bridesmaid • banquet • prom
homecoming • party • tuxedos
RENTAL/PARTY RENTAL
Unique, affordable custom pieces from arches and church
pews to a 1931 Model A. Plus all the details – linens,
centerpieces, tables, chairs, chandeliers and more.
HOT COCOA STATION
Expecting a chilly wedding? Go for cozy with a hot chocolate bar. Dress it
up with striped straws, vintage mugs, marshmallows, chocolate chips and
cinnamon. Just don’t forget the whipped cream!
root beer float bar
Add some old-fashioned fun to your wedding with a root beer float bar.
Purchase bottles of root beer for a vintage look, and add one or two crates
to place glasses on. Finish it off with straws, ice cream and a banner.
BRIDAL UNDERGARMENTS • CORSETS • LINGERIE • CAMISOLES
SWIMWEAR • JEWELRY • SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
ALTERATIONS • BRA FIT 28 AA TO 56N
352-629-5590
UNIQUE TO YOU
Market Street at Heathbrook • 4414 SW College Rd. Ste 1930 Ocala
From a Milk and Cookies Station to a Coffee Bean Bar, pick
something that fits you and your future spouse. If you’re having
trouble, here are a few more ideas:
Trail mix bar:
No more picking out the raisins. Everyone gets to make the ideal mix.
Cereal bar:
Having a brunch wedding?
Biscuit and honey station:
For the classic southern wedding.
From personalized candies to styled candy buffets, Sweet Pete’s, located in
Jacksonville, is the candy-loving bride’s best friend. Sit down with Candy
Concierge Ericka Woods and talk about what you want, whether it’s a
large candy bar or custom candy pieces to add to your wedding cake.
Sweet Pete’s offers three types of candy buffets—the Basic, the Sugar
Fix and the Crazy Candy Buffet—and will set up the buffets with the
candy selections you choose.
“We have thousands of types of candy. Literally,” says Woods.
And, because it’s large enough to hold more candy, the Crazy Candy Buffet is the most popular buffet option. But, Woods shares her two best tips for
adding a candy buffet to your wedding.
“Know how many people you’re
trying to accommodate, and always
keep a back-up to fill up candy.”
Your breast size,
shape and
weight are unique.
Hot fudge sundae bar:
Pile ice cream scoops in a bowl, and place the bowl on ice. The more
toppings, the better!
Taco station:
Pile on the fixings, and add some homemade guacamole.
Make-your-own-cocktail bar:
Provide several types of liquor and mixers, and let your guests drink
their own creations.
Fruit and cheese bar:
Perfect finger foods for mingling guests.
S' mores bar:
No matter the season, everyone
loves s’mores!
Sources: intimateweddings.com, pnpflowersinc.com, theweddingac.com, amberfrenchphotography.com
F
ood and beverage stations are definitely
trending in outdoor weddings. They’re
perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere of
mingling guests, and couples are thinking more
out-of-the-box to make their stations personal.
Ever made s’mores at a wedding? What about
root beer floats? Get
inspired with these oneof-a-kind setups that
are certainly worthy of
a double take.
Your body is unique.
Photo by Jessica Kirkland, pnpflowersinc.com
Station
Style
You are unique.
VISIT OUR EVER-CHANGING SHOWROOM TODAY!
5361 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs
EventWarehouse@aol.com (352) 236-5311 EventWarehouseCo.com
Magical Weddings!
Experience
the Difference
So many wonderful ceremony and
reception choices at one perfect location
– Hilton Ocala.
Outdoor Rustic Barn ✧ The Glades
Garden ✧ Romantic Gazebo ✧ Poolside
The Elegant Churchill Ballroom
✧ The Reserve Pavilion (up to 550 ppl)
✧ Saratoga Ballroom
Call us today about our all-inclusive
wedding package.
Ocala
T: 352 854 1400 I F: 352 854 - 6073 3600 SW 36th Avenue I Ocala, FL 34474
www.hiltonocala.com
www.facebook.com/hiltonocala
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
65
THE
PERFECT
RUSTIC
WEDDING
Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Messina, elizabethmessina.com.
is all in the details, and WISH
Vintage Rentals can help with each
one, big or small. They offer a wide
assortment of items, including
vintage lounge furniture, vintage
dining chair options and many
other accessory tables and furniture
pieces. Their inventory is also
home to many decorative touches,
including bottles, jars, candelabras,
salvaged doors and windows,
trunks, suitcases, antique books and
unique sign options, like mirrors,
frames, windows and chalkboards
(with custom chalk art, for customers with messy handwriting).
Take a look at this gorgeous
wedding at Doe Lake Campground
in the Ocala National Forest.
WISH’s farm tables, handcrafted
from 100-year-old salvaged barn
wood, looked perfectly imperfect
paired with mismatched chairs,
which were also used as ceremony
seating. Whiskey barrels made
the perfect cocktail tables, and the
head table at the reception was
bedecked in antique bottles, brass
candlesticks of all shapes and gold
flatware. If you’re looking for the
perfect Southern chic touches to
finish off the feel of your big day,
WISH can make your wedding just
as beautiful.
WEDDING
BLOGGER
LAUREN
GROVE
Wish Vintage Rentals
(863) 606-8689
wishvintagerentals.com
wedding planning: Alison Events Planning & Design // venue: Doe Lake Campground in Umatilla, Florida // furniture + décor:
Wish Vintage Rentals // florals: Natalie Bowen Designs // dish rentals: Dishie Rentals // linens: La Tavola // dj + lighting: DJ
Jacob // cake + desserts: Michelle Calabro, Owner of Bakers Cottage Cakes // catering: Green Coat Catering // hair + makeup:
Shelby George // wedding dress: Chaviano Couture // bridal headpiece: Twigs and Honey // bridal jewelry: Free People //
bridesmaids dresses: Katie of Coralie Beatrix // groom’s attire: J.Crew // ceremony + cocktail music: Landon Pontius // officiant:
Keith Kolakowski // robes: Girl with a Serious Dream // tent: Shelter Co. // invitations + paper goods: Designed by Lee and Val,
Owners & Founders of 48 Savvy Sailors // invitations: Letterpressed by Mama’s Sauce
ocalastyle.com SEP’15
69
Blogger
Bliss
interview by Katie McPherson
L
auren Grove is the Ocala-born and
-based founder of national wedding blog
Every Last Detail, which is overflowing
with gorgeous wedding inspiration and tips
from Lauren on every aspect of wedding
planning imaginable. You can see her posts
at theeverylastdetail.com, but we have some
exclusive info from her right here.
OS: Why did you start
your blog?
lg: It was my own wedding that made me get started. I realized a
lot of my wedding regrets were things that went wrong because of my
lack of knowledge. I set out to educate brides about weddings because
it’s likely they’ve never planned one before and it’s a whole new world. I
took a wedding planning class, became a wedding planner and started
Every Last Detail thinking I would be a planner. I started working
for a company in Tampa as a wedding planner and kept blogging
thinking I was building my brand, but instead I built a national wedding
planning blog.
OS: What brought you to Ocala?
What do you love about it?
lg: My husband and I grew up in Ocala—we met in high school at
Forest. Our family is still here, and my husband is a chiropractor, and he
wanted to start a practice, so we chose to come back. We really like the
downtown area. We try to frequent downtown establishments as much as
possible and attend any events being hosted.
OS: What are the three most
common mistakes couples make
planning their wedding?
lg: The first thing is that couples think they can’t afford a wedding
planner. A lot of couples also think having a wedding planner results
in them not being able to plan their own wedding, which is absolutely
not true. They’re there to be a partner and a guide. It would be akin to
someone saying ‘I need a tooth pulled’ and pulling it themselves and not
going to a dentist. People do this professionally for a reason, and every
couple should enjoy their wedding day.
Another mistake couples make is that they invite too many guests.
The more guests you have the more money you have to spend, and if you
have a limited budget, the answer to having the wedding you want is to
invite fewer people.
70
SEP’15 ocalastyle.com
Three would be that couples try to do everything themselves. DIYing
your wedding takes a lot of time, and it puts a lot of stress on the couple,
family and friends. There’s a difference between DIY and handmade;
DIY means literally doing the whole wedding yourself. You can make
your table numbers and runners, things that can be done ahead of time,
but if it has to be done on the day of, I would recommend leaving that to
a professional.
OS: If you were to plan a
Southern wedding of your own,
what are a few details you'd
have to have?
lg: I would probably have to incorporate family hand-crocheted doilies
into my centerpieces. I would incorporate a Southern-themed signature
drink, like something with bourbon, and also some type of Southern food,
perhaps shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. All of those can be done in
cool ways, like bite-size form. I would probably incorporate cotton into my
centerpieces and florals and probably do a pretty neutral color palette.
Find Out More
theeverylastdetail.com