Survival Guide for Planning a Gainesville Wedding During Football Season

Yes, Gainesville, Florida certainly is a small town with a rather large Football problem, and make no mistake, that's how we love it! (Go Gators!!!)

However, if necessity or choice dictates that you plan your wedding to be during this 4 month long city holiday, you'll need some pointers to help you survive with all your wedding awesomeness in tact.

image by Russell Martin Photography

First: Check the Football Schedule, then Weigh the Pro's and Con's of picking a Home Game for your wedding date

Pro's: Many alumni who may also be getting married, often prefer to be in the heart of the Swamp for home games, so you'll have an easier time booking vendors, getting the venue you want (as long as it's not on campus) and the roads will be completely clear during game time.

Con's: For home games, the population of our town literally triples. This means that hotels from Ocala to Lake-City sellout and double or triple their prices. This will be a concern for your out-of-town guests that you'll need to be aware of.

Take note - you'll need to find routes to your venue, before and after game time, that steer completely around campus, or you'll end up gridlocked in stadium traffic.

image by Russell Martin Photography

Second: Home or Away Game - book your vendors as early as you possibly can.

Once you've secured your venue and date, if it's a home game, start with your Hotel Block for out of town guests. This will be one of the hardest things to secure, so the earlier the better. If you're planning any kind of party bus or rental cars for your bridal party or guests, do this early too.

If your date turns out to be an an away game or the bi-week, these are the most sought after days each Fall - so book early and fast to secure the vendors you love. Start with your venue, then move quickly to vendors that only work one wedding a day (wedding planner, photography, videography, etc). Hotels and rental cars are also in high demand during these weekends because so many couples are getting married.

Some things to consider: If your Cocktail Hour or Reception is during Game-Time

If your guest count includes a decent number of football fans, sadly enough, they'll want to keep up with the game during festivities. To be fair, I've had many die-hard fan couples who want the updates too. There's a few different ways to keep guests updated, without turning your reception into a sports bar substitute. Pick your favorite or mix and match:

Have the DJ give scoring updates every so often between songs for guests. This is always a hit and will be a nice low-key option.

Make a Chalkboard Score Sign and designate a special fan to keep it up-to-date. We made this one for last year's SEC Championship Game:

image by KiKi Creates

Place a small TV outside in the cocktail area or a back corner of the reception room that shows the game. Only turn it on at kick-off and make sure the volume is very low, or on subtiles only. It's best if the screen isn't visible from the dance floor or guest tables.

As a side note, many of these issues factor in during Graduation Weeks and Gator Nationals here as well.

Whether you choose to Gator your wedding up to the hilt or pretend Orange and Blue craziness isn't going on within a mile of your wedding - getting married during football season is totally doable. Just plan early and you'll have a fantastic Gainesville wedding you've been dreaming about.

image by LoveStorey Photography

P.S. Yes - that image is totally IN THE GATOR TUNNEL! :) Did you know you can rent The Swamp now for weddings?! How amazing would an away game wedding date be there?!

Happy Football Season and get planning!  

Game Day Scoreboard

Football season's right around the corner (yay!!) and if you're getting married in the Fall in Gainesville, you're going to check the Gator's Football schedule! It's a given - the busiest day of the Fall wedding season is always the Gator's Bye-Week! Sometimes you can't get around it though... If you're getting married on a big game day, why not consider having something like this?!

via StyleMePretty

Even though we definitely don't like the score on this particular one, we love the idea! To keep guests off of their phones or hounding the DJ, have someone carry around a chalkboard with the updated score of the game. If you don't have someone to carry it around, you could put a chalkboard sign up on the DJ's table for people to check. 

What do you think? Would you and your football fan fiancé love this scoreboard at your wedding?

Oh - and GO GATORS!! :)

City Map Seating Chart

My favorite weddings are the ones that incorporate special touches about the couple and what makes their love story unique. I love it when guests get to learn more about the bride & groom! Whether it's as simple as some childhood pictures, a sign with their love story, or table names with meaningful things on them, all of these details make the day that much more intimate.

I saw this and thought it was a really neat way to add that personal touch every wedding needs!

via Bridal Musings

This couple used a city map as their seating chart for guests! Each table was named after a different location in Paris and guests found their names and found their seats. You could use your home town, the city you met, where you got engaged....the possibilities abound!

Speaking from my Gator side - I think doing this with a map of the University of Florida campus would be Gatortastic! You could use your dorms, classes you had together, special campus landmarks...fun, right? (Obviously I'm biased here, but any college would be special and really unique!)

One of my rules is that you should always alphabetize your seating charts and escort cards - it's just immensely easier for your guests. I love this idea so much though, I'm willing to break the rule here (What's a rule without that exception, right?). If your guest count is on the smaller side, you'll be set. If you have a bit of a larger wedding planned, think about electing a special person (or wedding planner!) that has an alphabetized list to assist guests standing nearby.

How are your guests finding their seats?

A Starry Night Wedding Cake

I just can't get the cake from Wednesday's Starry Night Inspiration Board out of my mind! It's one of those images I've had pinned forever on my Pinterest Board and just pause and smile at it every time I scroll past.

So, for anyone who wanted a closer look:

Starry Night Cake via Style Me Pretty

Isn't it gorgeous how the cake designer mimicked the brush strokes from the painting? And, I adore the use of the suitcase instead of a traditional cake stand!

This would be a stunning cake even without the attached Starry Night theme. Check out how they used the color palate in their photo shoot:

Tablescape via Style Me Pretty

 The colored glass and deep blue rim on the plates is just fabulous!

What do you think? Are you "starry-eyed" over this too? :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Unique Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are customary for greeting out of town guests when they arrive for your big celebration, and there's so much fun to be had with them beyond the typical water bottles, snacks, and an itinerary for the weekend. You can include bits of information about the place you are getting married, or add treats that are themed to your wedding. Check out these cute ideas we found!

Oranges Welcome Bag via Martha Stewart

This bride and groom hand picked Florida oranges before their wedding and added that special treat to their guests' welcome bags.

Tanning Welcome Bag via Martha Stewart

This bride and groom made sure all of their guests were ready for fun in the sun on their destination beach wedding by added a beach towel and sunscreen to the bags.

One of our couples here in Gainesville, Florida are adding local made chocolates and a personalized map with their favorite places in town for their guests.

We love these ideas! What would you add to your welcome bags? Would you theme them to your location or your wedding?

Gator Tailgate Wedding Photos!

I promised they were coming and here they are! Check out the amazing images by Russell Martin Photography from Dena and Andy's Gator Tailgate Wedding extravaganza! Russell's pictures completely capture how much fun the day was. I couldn't pick my favorites - there were just too many great pictures and fun details to share with you all. Take a look!

Dena got ready in a gorgeous motor home from Luxury Motor Home Rentals right at the Vet School where their tailgate reception would be. Kick-off was at 12:20, so that meant an early ceremony and start time for everyone!

Their first look was out at Paynes Prairie before guests arrived. It couldn't have been more beautiful with all the trees and fantastic morning light.

Dena and her family made all the wooden details you see in the pictures, from the "Wedding" signs to the little Gators for their centerpieces!

Dena collected all kinds of Florida Gator goodies for a Fan Station for guests. They wanted to make sure everyone had plenty of Gator spirit when they headed over to the stadium.

Celebrations Catering served up super yummy Cajun food in honor of the opponents and Dream Day Cakes created the fantastic Gator Bride and Groom and Cupcake Tower.

Then it was off to the Swamp for the game! Dena went in in her gown and changed into a cute orange and blue sun dress later on.

Being the HUGE Gator fan that I am....I must say, this was the best ending to a wedding, ever! :) To top everything off, the team came back to win in the fourth quarter as a special wedding present for the newlyweds!

Congratulations again Dena and Andy! We were honored to get to be a part of your team for such a special day! We know you'll "stick together in all kinds of weather" always!

If you haven't checked out the great trailer from Gator Bride Videography, check it out now here!

I couldn't pick a favorite detail to talk about - what's yours? Comment and tell us!

Vendors who made it all possible:
Wedding Coordinator: MasterPiece Weddings
Catering: Celebrations Catering
Photography: Russell Martin Photography
Videography: Gator Bride Videography
Cakes: Dream Day Cakes
Flowers: Prange's Florist
Ceremony Music: Eric Redmond
Make-Up: Image Insight
Hair: Salon 716
Ceremony Location: Paynes Prairie
Reception Tailgate: College of Vetenary Medicine
Motor-coach: Luxury Motor Home Rentals

Birds of Paradise

When you think of tropical flowers and sunshine and sand, Birds of Paradise probably come to mind. But have you ever thought about using them in your wedding?  Check out these gorgeous images from Alexan Events that I'm sure will convince you:

Bird of Paradise Boutonniere via Alexan Events

How elegant is that boutonniere?! Loving these bouquets too!

Bird of Paradise Bouquets via Alexan Events

They are so sleek and modern but still have an air of romance perfect for a wedding. 

This last shot is just as beautiful for incorporating Birds of Paradise into the reception:

Bird of Paradise Centerpieces via Alexan Events

I just love how different they are and how colorful! Would you use them as your signature flower?

Gator Tailgate Wedding Video

I promised you I'd share video from Dena and Andy's big day - and here's what you've been waiting for!!

Check out the amazing highlight reel from Gator Bride Videography of Dena and Andy's Gator Tailgate Wedding. It's Orange and Blue and simply fabulous, like them!


Andy + Dena // Highlight Reel from Gator Bride Videography on Vimeo.

The day was so much fun and made me love my job even more than I already do. The Gator's even pulled out a win in the final minutes of the game! (Dena insists it was a wedding present just for them - I have to agree!)

Kyle and Kimberly from Gator Bride Videography did such a great job capturing the day and all it's fun moments. I can't wait to work with them again!

Vendors who made it all possible:
Wedding Coordinator: MasterPiece Weddings
Catering: Celebrations Catering
Photography: Russell Martin Photography
Videography: Gator Bride Videography
Cakes: Dream Day Cakes
Florist: Prange's Florist
Ceremony Music: Eric Redmond
Make-Up: Image Insight
Hair: Salon 716
Ceremony Location: Paynes Prairie
Reception Tailgate: College of Vetenary Medicine
Motor-coach: Luxury Motor Home Rentals

Draped Outdoor Reception Entrance

Outdoor weddings are some of my favorites. Gorgeous weather, stunning landscape, head-over-heels couple, what's not to love?

If your venue is like a lot venues though, it's sometimes hard to make that grand first entrance into your reception as husband and wife. Many times there might not be a spot to line up your bridal party before you get announced in. Check out this for a solution:

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

They created their own draping! I love this!! It looks beautiful tied back as well, prior to the grand reveal.

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

You could have it tied back like the above picture while your guests are finding their seats and then have your wedding planner, or someone specially designated, release the drapes when you are ready to be announced in officially. 

They would be a great DIY project with major impact!

How are you making your first appearance as newlyweds? 

Gator Tailgate Wedding!

"Something Old, Something New, Something Orange & Something Blue!"

Gator Bride via The University of Florida

We are SO incredibly excited about our wedding this weekend! Our amazing University of Florida Alumni couple, Dena and Andy, are breaking all traditions and having a Gator Homecoming Wedding!

Yes, you read that right! :) They will be getting married out on Paynes Prairie early Saturday morning and then having a Tailgate reception over at the Vet School on campus. If that wasn't enough, the newlyweds, with most of their guests, will be headed over to the game to cheer for the Orange and Blue!

The University did a spotlight story on their upcoming wedding:

When you watch the video, keep an eye out for their amazing "Alligator - Wedding Edition" invitations. Dena created them herself! Complete with the story of how they met, directions, Gator traditions, and tips for what not to wear ("It is strongly suggested that guests refrain from wearing vermilion, or any shade of red, to avoid appearing to support the opponent...) - they are completely adorable and perfect for them!

We simply CANNOT wait for their big day! We'll be sure to share all the amazing pictures from Russell Martin Photography and video from Gator Bride Videography with you soon!

In the meantime, Go Gators! Beat the Ragin' Cajuns!

Lisa & Mahesh

We recently had the honor of coordinating Lisa & Mahesh's beautiful wedding! We loved working with Joy Marie Photography and she was so sweet to send us these gorgeous images from their day! 

The day was full of romance, starting with an emotional first look. 

The flowers by Keith Watson Productions were so colorful and looked stunning against the bright blue dresses!

After their ceremony at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, here in Gainesville, Florida, they headed off to take pictures with some of our majestic oaks in the area.

Their reception was held at the Florida Museum of Natural History and deliciously catered by Sweetwater Branch Inn. It's such a great and unique venue here in town. For those who don't know, they have an amazing Butterfly Rainforest. Cocktail hour was held right at the entrance and Lisa & Mahesh arranged for their guests to be able to enjoy the gardens and all the butterflies throughout cocktails.

Butterflies showed up throughout the night, incorporated on their escort cards, favors, and even on their beautiful centerpieces by Keith Watson Productions.

Their first dance was "I Want to Grow Old with You" from the Wedding Singer!!! It was one of my favorite details of the day!!!

Gyns Entertainment kept the party going all night!

Head over here to check out the entire highlight reel from Joy Marie Photography that has the stunning images from their Indian Ceremony the following morning.

Congratulations Lisa & Mahesh! We loved getting to be a part of your day and know you'll have many happy years together!

Vendors who made it all possible:

Photography: JoyMarie Photography

Videography: Visions Media

Ceremony: Queen ofPeace Catholic Church

Hair: Sixth StreetStation

Make-up: YourWedding Make-up

Flowers and Decor: Keith Watson Productions

Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History

Catering: Sweetwater Branch Inn

Music: GnysEntertainment

Cake: Publix

Rentals: PartyTime Rentals