Vendor of the Week- J. Michael Weddings- Win a $200.00 prize package!!

I know you are probably sitting there in awe, mouth all open, eyes all bugged out thinking... what the heck... Is she really highlighting another wedding planner.  The answer is yes!!  Why wouldn't I?!   There is about 30+  wedding planners & coordinators in the wedding industry serving from Tampa to Naples- all extremely talented and highly acclaimed.    

This weeks Vendor of the Week has been featured on MODWedding and is one of the sweetest gems in Southwest Florida- Jessica Dooley owner of J. Michael Weddings.   
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** Chance to win a $200.00 prize package courtesy of J. Michael Weddings & Live Love Breathe Weddings.  Details listed below. **

How did you start in the wedding industry:

A friend asked if I would help her plan her wedding and it was always a dream of mine.  I helped her out and fell in love with it.  I began helping any and everyone I could with their weddings and vowed to learn as much as I could about the wedding industry.

Photo Credit: Bobbi Rattai Photography

What is your background:

I went to college at Southeastern University in Lakeland going for my degree in Youth Ministry.  From there I went into the chiropractic field which was wonderful experience however I was never really in love with it.  I decided when planning weddings for friends and family that I wanted to learn more.  So I left the there and went to work for Charlotte Bridal Boutique and spent a year there learning everything I could about bridal fashion & styles.  I have also spent the last year and a half working at Eden Salon & Spa in Venice and I am currently obtaining my degree in Cosmetology- graduating in February 2016.  I want to continue to gain knowledge to better assist my brides and grooms in their planning process. 

Photo Credit: Bobbi Rattai Photography

How many years have you been in business:

I began in January 2013

Photo Credit- Bobbi Rattai Photography

What services to you offer:

Day of Coordination

Partial Planning

& Full Service Planning

Photo Credit: Bobbi Rattai Photography

What do you think is trending for weddings currently:

A lot of my brides and grooms are wanted more natural, organic and relaxed themes.  They want Boho Chic.

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

What do you predict for 2016 wedding trends:

I think the brides are going more modern with a twist.  Very sleek with clean lines.

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

What are your key strengths:

My attention to detail, my ability to get things done and to handle high pressure situations.

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

What is your favorite part about weddings:

The ceremony!  I cry... every time!! 

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

What is the cost for your services:

Day Of Coordination- starting at $600

Partial Planning- starting at $1,200

Full Service Planning- starting at $2,000

You can learn more information on package details via my website- Click Here

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

Where are you located:

I work out of the North Port area, servicing weddings and events from Tampa to Naples and beyond.  

Photo Credit: Lana Ponomarenko

What are your hours:

You can reach me by phone or email.
Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Photo credit: Lana Ponomarenko

How can a bride reach out to you:

By phone: 941.237.7469

By email: jmichaelweddings@gmail.com

Website: www.jmichaelweddings.com

Photo credit: Lana Ponomarenko

Big THANKS to Jessica from J. Michael Weddings for allowing me to interview her and partaking in this weeks Vendor of the Week giveaway. 

Want to win $150.00 off any coordination package from J. Michael Weddings and a $50.00 gift certificate off wedding flowers from Live Love Breathe Weddings??!! 

'Like' J. Michael Weddings on Facebook- Click Here

'Like' Live Love Breathe Wedding on Facebook- Click Here

'Comment' Below with your wedding date and favorite part about weddings

** Prize winner will be selected at random based on the number of entries.  Some exclusions/requirements apply to individual  prize certificates.  All statements/opinions/photos above are that of Jessica Dooley of J. Michael Weddings.  Facebook/Twitter/Constant Contact/Blogspot is in no way affiliated with the contest.  Live Love Breathe Weddings did not benefit monetarily from this blog post. 

Vendor of the Week- Cake Concepts- Chance to win a $50.00 prize package

Happy Monday Folks!!  Starting today we will now have a Vendor of the Week every Monday- Highlighting local Southwest Florida Wedding Vendors!  To kick things off we have Cake Concepts here in Port Charlotte, FL.  

I sat down to interview owner, Lynn Rhein to get her thoughts on all things cake.  So here is a little Q & A for your Monday!   

(P.S.- Don't forget to read all the way down- there is a chance to WIN a prize combo valued at $50.00!!)

How many years in business: 

Since 2006... so 11 years!

Where did you learn to your talent:  

The Culinary Institute of America

What's trending currently: 

Golds & Metallics, Ombre, Naked Cakes & Cupcake Displays

 What will trend for 2016:   

Varied Cake Layers, Textured Buttercream, Crystals/Bling and Nautical Themed Cakes

Most popular flavors:

Vanilla Strawberry and Chocolate Peanut Butter

Most popular size & shape:

3- Tiered (12" 9" 6") and Round

What should a bride expect or bring to a consult:

The bride can expect our full and undivided attention, suggestions based on design and flavors and examples- we have a portfolio of our work to browse through and mock display cakes available to view.  A bride should bring her color swatches and any available cake inspiration photos.  I highly recommend bring 4-6 photos that provide different elements you would like incorporated into your wedding cake.

Average cake price range:

Pricing does depend on size, design, flavors and icing selections, however most cakes we create fall into the $300-$600 range.  

How many wedding cakes did you create last year:

We average about 2-5 a weekend.  So quite a few plus we are continually servicing our customers who have birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries as well.    We love what we do!

How many flavors, fillings & icing options do you offer:

We have 25 cake flavors with an equal number of fillings and we offer buttercream, chocolate, cream cheese and fondant icing.

Delivery range:

We will deliver from Tampa to Naples.  Local delivery (Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda & North Port) is typically $25-$30.  Further distance wedding venues can range up to $100.

Rental items available:

We have a variety of cake stands in gold & silver and a multitude of cupcake stands. 

Thoughts on cake toppers:

Brides are definitely not using the traditional bride and groom anymore.  We are seeing a lot of monograms, Mr. & Mrs., hearts & bird shape cut outs and floral toppers in place.

Do you offer anything else besides wedding cakes:

We can provide a bride with a candy bar (or just rental on the glassware), cut out cookies for favors, brownies, cannoli's, eclairs, lemon bars and chocolate covered berries.  

Advice for the brides:

We do not recommend buttercream for outdoor venues unless it's winter time.  Fondant will hold up better in the Florida heat.  

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Don't be afraid to personalize your cake.

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Trust the professional- We can visualize your cake from day one. 

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Keep in mind that a majority of venues have a cake cutting fee of $3+ per guest.

Tell me a little about your cake designer Carrie:

Carrie has been with me for 7 years.  She has a background in art & floral design.  She is a master at creating colors, her placement is spectacular and no one can compare to her designs with fresh flowers and bows.

 How can a bride reach you:  

They can give us a call at 941-629-2211 or shoot us an email at cakeconcepts@hotmail.com or visit our bakery at 2395 Tamiami Trail, Unit #9, Port Charlotte, FL in the Bell Plaza.   Remember to call or email first to have a personal consult time blocked out to discuss your wedding cake. 

Special thank you to Lynn, Carrie & Bill over at Cake Concepts for letting me in on all their deliciousness.   We have a special giveaway combo from our friends at Cake Concepts and Live Love Breathe Weddings.  

Win a FREE Keepsake Tier*  (a $25.00 value) and a $25.00 gift certificate* for Live Love Breathe Weddings. 

To enter to win:

Step 1: Like Cake Concepts on Facebook-Click Here

Step 2: Like Live Love Breathe Weddings on Facebook-Click Here

 Step 3: Comment on this blog with your favorite cake flavor.

Wedding Wishes,

Marie

* Some exclusions apply to terms of keepsake tier and $25.00 gift certificate.  ** All opinions above are that of Lynn Rhein at Cake Concepts.  *** Facebook is in no way affiliated with this contest.