Real Weddings -- Shawna and Jason

Shawna and Jason came down from Texas for their St. Augustine Beach wedding on Sunday, April 27th. We set-up one of our custom beach ceremony packages for them, and I think everything turned out beautifully!

Here are a few pictures (taken from my own point-and-shoot camera, but they do give you an idea of the day.)

Enjoy!

Thanks guys for allowing us to create your beach wedding! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and you both looked great!!

Real Weddings-- Lisa and Scott

It was a very busy weekend for Flaire Weddings and Events. On Saturday (April 26th) we had Lisa and Scott's downtown wedding. It was fabulous!

Pictures are coming soon, but here is a brief rundown of the fabulous vendors that made this wedding such a success!

Ceremony: St. Andrews Historic Church
Reception: River Club (talk about a fantastic view!)
Photography: Kurt English (Kurt and his team were so professional, I can't wait to see the pictures!)
Cake: Signature Cakes by Paul (These were gorgeous! And tasty, too!)
Florals: Rose of Sharon European Floral Design
Lighting: SRI (Lighting makes a phenomenal difference)
DJ: Deland Entertainment
Favors: Krispy Kreme (How fun!)

Pictures Coming soon!

Conflict Free Diamonds

If you've ever seen the movie Blood Diamond, then you'll understand how important it is to be socially conscious when choosing diamonds for jewelry. The movie goes into all the gory details of many African nations' diamond industries. People work in deplorable conditions, searching day and night for diamonds, only to have them snatched away by their superiors. The industry has spawned all sorts of evils, including child slavery and civil unrest.

However, there is something you can do. By choosing not to support companies that buy their diamonds from these dubious sources, you are making a difference!

I want to highlight a company I recently came across: Brilliant Earth . All of Brilliant Earth's diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free.

The neat thing about this website is their "Create your own Ring" feature. You can choose your diamond, based on a number of factors, including price, carat weight, clarity, and more.

Then you choose your setting, and the website will show you how the stone you chose looks in the setting.

Voila! You have a gorgeous ring that you can wear with pride.

Jamaica -- The Perfect Honeymoon Destination!

Well, I am back in the country after an eventful visit to Jamaica! I had the pleasure of touring five Sandals resorts while in Jamaica, and I have some fabulous pictures to share with you.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be spotlighting various resorts. Today, I'd love to share some pictures from Sandals Royal Caribbean, located in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica.













Sandals has done a fabulous job of creating tucked spots for couples to relax and enjoy the sun and the water.


















This is a peek into one of the new Swim-up River Suites. This room featured a jacuzzi tub with plantation windows that opened into the bedroom.












Of course, what honeymoon would be complete without a gorgeous beach? Sandals Royal Caribbean features five different beaches that couples can choose from!












Couples can also choose to rent beachside cabanas for the day. Each cabana comes with concierge service -- what a fabulous way to be pampered!

If you are interested in learning more about the Sandals Honeymoon destinations, please give us a call! We'll set up a honeymoon consultation to assist you with all your planning!

Flaire Weddings -- your Sandals Honeymoon Specialists!

Imagine yourself soaking up the sun on a white-sandy beach. Calm breezes drift gently past you. The stinging fresh smell of sea salt is heavy in the air. You're about to drift off to sleep when an impeccably dressed server asks if there's anything he can get you.

This could be you on your honeymoon, experiencing the luxury and pampering of a Sandals all-inclusive vacation!

And, it's actually going to be me, too, for the next four days. I've been given an incredible opportunity to experience the Sandals luxury first-hand. I'm going down to Jamaica this week for a special conference. I, along with about 35 other members of the Association of Bridal Consultants, will be given a first-hand tour of the Sandals resorts on the Island of Jamaica. We'll be focusing in on the destination wedding possibilities on each resort, but we'll also recieve training to become "Certified Sandals Specialists."

That means we'll be able to assist brides and grooms with booking the honeymoon or destination wedding of their dreams!

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post when I get a chance.
For now, it's off to pack my beach bag!

Exciting New Changes Coming!!

The Flaire Weddings and Events website and logo will be experiencing a fresh, new updated look.

Our new website should launch within the next week. The new site will feature flash galleries of six of our latest weddings, updated testimonials, pricing, and package information. Also, the new website will showcase our beach packages! We began offering all-inclusive beach packages in the Fall of 2007, and they have been hugely popular, especially among destination brides.

Check back in a few days to see the new site!

A gorgeous St. Augustine Wedding

I had the privilege of assisting Kristie and Eric with their beautiful St. Augustine wedding.

Kristie had arranged for their reception venue, The House of Sea and Sun, to be completely reserved for the wedding party and family. Everyone was so relaxed on the morning of the wedding, as they got ready while the friendly staff at the Bed and Breakfast prepared a delicious breakfast. The bridal party got ready in the house, taking pains to ensure that Kristie and Eric didn't see each other accidentally.

After getting ready, the wedding party headed over to the Lightner Museum to take photos. Even though Kristie and Eric arranged to see each other before the ceremony, TimCo Photography did a fantastic job of setting up the perfect "reveal" moment.
Eric waited for Kristie on the bridge in the courtyard, holding her bouquet. She walked up behind him, and he turned, seeing her for the first time. It was definitely an emotional moment.

The bridal party headed to St. Augustine's historic Cathedral Basilica for a gorgeous ceremony.
Then everyone returned to the House of Sea and Sun for a fun, beachy reception!

Thanks again to TimCo Photography for allowing us to post these beautiful images. Enjoy!