SWFL Bridal Photo Shoot- Dion Photography, Charlotte Bridal, Charlotte County Flowers, Hair by Tania & Live Love Breathe Weddings

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Samantha Steiner

Wedding Gown: Charlotte Bridal Boutique Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

SWFL Photo Shoot

Couple weeks back, five talented vendors and eleven gorgeous models got together to do an annual bridal photo shoot. Today we get to admire the exquisite bridal gowns, the fragrant bouquet blooms, the stunning hair & make up, the dazzling decor and the remarkable photography from Dion Photography, Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear, Charlotte County Flowers, Hair by Tania & Live Love Breathe Weddings. Enjoy!!

Photo Credit: Dion Photography    Model: Zachary Vazquez

Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography   Model: Zachary Vazquez

Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography

Models: Alex Jimenez, Nick Petys & Zachary Vazquez

Tuxedos: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Jillian Marie & Nick Petys

Bridesmaid Dress & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Alex Jimenez & Jillian Marie

Tuxedo & Bridesmaid Dress: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Alex Jimenez & Jillian Marie

Tuxedo & Bridesmaid Dress: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography

Models: Zachary Vazquez & Amanda Wolf (Amanda Shattuck)

Tuxedo & Bridal Gown: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Boutonniere: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography  Models: Brianna Paige Schultz & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography    Models: Jillian Marie & Zachary Vazquez

Bridesmaid Dress & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography  Models: Gabby Rodriquez & Alex Jimenez

Bridesmaid Dress & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

  

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Amanda Wolf (Amanda Shattuck) & Nick Petys

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet & Boutonniere: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Amanda Wolf (Amanda Shattuck)

Bridal Gown: Charlotte Bridal Boutique Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Nick Petys

Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear Boutonniere: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Samantha Steiner & Nick Petys

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear  

Bridal Bouquet & Boutonniere: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Nick Petys

Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Boutonniere: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Jillian Marie, Lauren Collins & Amanda Wolf (Amanda Shattuck)

Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses: Charlotte Bridal Boutique Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Decor: Live Love Breathe Weddings

Photo Credit: Dion Photography  Models: Brianna Paige Schultz & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal Boutique   Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography   Models: Brianna Paige Schultz & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Samantha Steiner

Bridal Gown: Charlotte Bridal Boutique Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography

Models: Lauren Collins, Gabby Rodriquez & Jillian Marie

Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses: Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Photo Credit: Dion Photography   Models: Gabby Rodriquez & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Samantha Steiner & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedos: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Samantha Steiner & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Samantha Steiner & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography

Models: Jillian Marie, Brianna Paige Schultz, Hannah Guzik, Amanda Wolf, 

Samantha Steiner & Gabby Rodriquez

Bridal Gowns: Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Alex Jimenez & Brianna Paige Schultz

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography  Models: Zachary Vazquez & Lauren Collins

Tuxedo & Bridesmaid Dress: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography  Models: Brianna Paige Schultz & Samantha Steiner

Bridesmaid Dresses: Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Models: Hannah Guzik & Zachary Vazquez

Bridal Gown & Tuxedo: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Hannah Guzik

Bridal Gown: Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography Model: Hannah Guzik

Bridal Gown: Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Bridal Bouquet: Charlotte County Flowers

Photo Credit: Dion Photography 

Models: Alex Jimenez, Zachary Vazquez & Lauren Collins

Bridesmaid Dresses & Tuxedos: Charlotte Bridal & Formalwear

Photo Credit: Dion Photography

Decor & Staging: Live Love Breathe Weddings

Wedding Wishes,

Marie

Vendor Of The Week- Cypress M. Ranch

Photo Credit: http://www.adamoprisphoto.com/

This highly demanded rustic ranch has been the premier spot for barn weddings in Charlotte County.  Nested amongst the oak trees out Bermont Road in Punta Gorda, Florida is this weeks Vendor Of The Week- Cypress M. Ranch.   I sat down with the owner, Lisa MacArthur, who is currently booking weddings for 2017 to learn a little more about her gem of a property.

Tell me a little history about Cypress M. Ranch?

Cypress M. Ranch has been here for 12 years as a horse ranch and currently in it's second wedding season.

What is your wedding season?

We run weddings every weekend from October through May 1st.

What is included in the wedding rental?

Full use of the grounds, the barn, the bridal suite, the cowboy quarters, the kitchen, 2 restrooms, parking location and staff including trash removal and bomb fire prep.    3 hours for rehearsal and set up the day before.  All day from 9 am to midnight on the day of the event and 2 hours the following day for pick up and clean up. 

What are the ceremony location options?

The couple can choose between the 2 different pasture locations, under the oak trees or in front of the barn.

What are some additional benefits to the ranch?

We have bistro lighting around the property built right in.  There is restrooms on site so you do not have to rent any and we have a brand new full kitchen.  The barn also has drop down sides to help with rain and wind.  For various fees, brides and/or grooms can ride in on a horse or we can also get the horse and carriage.   We also have swamp buggies as well for grand entrances.     

Tell me about the bridal cabin?

It is an all wood loft cabin with a bed, full bath, refrigerator, seating area and prep area for bridal hair and makeup.  Designed completely country chic with a chandelier and all. 

Tell me about the new cowboy quarters?

Designed with the guys in mind the cowboy quarters has a bar, lounge furniture and rocking chairs in an enclosed air conditioned environment. 

Tell me about your new kitchen area?

The new kitchen area has all stainless steel, commercial grade appliances- refrigerator, warmers, BBQ grill and prep stations. 

What is the nearest accommodations? 

The Four Points Sheraton and the Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda.  The Best Western in Arcadia is also very popular and there is several hotels off Kings Hwy in Port Charlotte too.

Tell me a little about the live band you have available?

The Florida Cracker Boys specialize in playing county, blues and southern rock n' roll.  They are also available to do your ceremony music and be master of ceremonies for your reception.   For the essential country wedding they are sure to get everyone dancing.

How can a bride and groom reach out to you?

By phone- (239) 872-4726

Email- cypressmranch@gmail.com

Website- www.cypressmranch.com

Facebook- Cypress M. Ranch Western Weddings

Special thank you to Lisa for giving me the grand tour and allowing me to interview her.

Wedding Wishes,

Marie 

  All statements/opinions/photos above are that of Lisa MacArthur of Cypress M. Ranch and used with permission.  Live Love Breathe Weddings did not benefit monetarily from this blog post. 

Winter time boutonnières #winter #boutonniere #red #white #christmas #greenery #roses #mums #berries

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1OCTHwW

Pantone Color(s) Of The Year- 2016 Wedding Inspiration up on the blog today- http://ift.tt/1Q3OsaK #coloroftheyear #pantone #weddingcolors #wedding #weddingcake #boutonniere #bridalbouquet #bridesmaid #dress #arway #flowers #rosequartz #serentity #blush #blue

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1Q3OsaI

Pantone Color of the Year- Rose Quartz AND Serenity Wedding Inspiration...

Well, Lord knows I wanted pastels to trend this year (See my September post here!).  Looks like Pantone granted my wish- not just one, but TWO pastel colors for 2016!!  Rose Quartz and Serenity might look like a baby gender reveal but according to reports from Pantone Color Institute say they weren't thinking that.

http://nautil.us/blog/two-ideas-for-predicting-the-next-color-of-the-year

For the past 14 years, Pantone has picked an array of vibrant hues- other than Sand Dollar in 2006 and Cerulean in 2000.   Leading us to believe some pastel tones had to be strong contenders this year.  The surprising twist is the selection of TWO colors for 2016.  

I went ahead and created a gorgeous wedding inspiration collage image with the color palette.  Can't wait to see all the various takes on Rose Quartz & Serenity next year!

Wedding Wishes,

Marie

Image Sources:
http://flirtyfleurs.com/wonderful-wedding-flowers-master-class-holly-chapple/
https://whoanelliepress.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/a-romantic-blush-wedding-color-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/243757398557422654/
http://weddbook.com/search/dusty/2
http://www.cecinewyork.com/cecistyle/issue/v185/
http://www.brides.com/wedding-flowers/2200000000052591
http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/2014/08/unique-wedding-ceremony-altar-ideas#slide=1
http://yesdresses.storenvy.com/products/12445422-long-prom-dress-custom-bridesmaid-dress-off-shoulder-prom-dress-elegant-p

How He Asked... My Engagement Story.. Ballast Point Park- Tampa, FL

Zachary always has surprises… from sushi to a day trip. You just never really know what kind of surprise you’re going to get. Friday night he said to me, “We have to wake up early tomorrow and we’re leaving at 8, 8:30 at the latest.” He gave me a 1/2 hour because he knows I’m always late. I asked a million questions as usual, mostly about how I should prepare myself. Should I dress up and wear makeup? Am I gonna get wet? Should I be wearing a bathing suit? Is this a fancy event? What should I be wearing? Will it be dressy enough to wear wedges? Or is this more of a sandal event? Or is this a super active surprise? No answer, of course.

I woke up early the next morning and started getting ready. 8:30 rolls around and I still wasn’t quite ready to go - but away we went. I finished getting ready on the way up.

Zach gave me the address to a Bob Evans in Tampa and the whole way up to I kept questioning why we were meeting up with some stranger in Tampa and fussing at my makeup in the tiny car mirror. As we were driving he got a phone call - I didn’t pay it any mind. He said it was the guy we were meeting. “We’re going to be meeting him somewhere else,” and he gave me a new address to put into the gps, “5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL.” We finally arrive to a Ballast Point Park. I looked around and said “Zach, I’m really concerned about this guy that we’re meeting. There’s not many people in this park, and we don’t even know who this is. How do you know this is not a weirdo that’s gonna try and hurt us or take our money? Or worse… take SUSHI (my car)?!” He laughed at me and said “Stop it, we’re gonna be fine.” I just started praying. 

As I continue fidgeting with my eyelashes he says “I think you can see the skyline from here but it’s hard to see with all the clouds.” It was a rainy day, it rained the whole ride up. As we’re sitting there just waiting for this “guy” to get there, Zachary turns to me and asks “The rain slowed down a little bit, do you want to walk to the end of the pier while we’re waiting for that him? He’s going to call when he gets here.” I said “Sure, that sounds fine to me.”

As we walk towards the pier, a cold breeze makes me hold closer onto Zach’s arm. As we walk down I try to cover my hair and face with my hoodie and shiver under the cool sprinkle. Before stepping onto the pier we stopped, Zach patiently waiting for me to take a picture of the the scenery, it looked beautiful- glimmering from the rain drops. There are only 2 other people on here, two middle-aged men fishing. As we walk to the end of the pier, the breeze picks up. There’s a pavilion up ahead to shelter us from the drizzling rain. As we stand there, I look out onto the horizon and I notice the Tampa skyline. Through the haze and light rain - I think to myself how much I love this weather, and cuddle into Zach. I looked up at him as he held me to keep me warm and asked “So, what are we doing today? Are you finally going to tell me?” Zach looks down at me and a mischievous smile creeps onto his face and he goes on to tell me that we were supposed to go on a hot air balloon ride today but the weather resulted in a change of his plans. “But I know I don’t want to wait any longer. Arlene, I love you so much, will you do me the honor…”

I watched him drop down to one knee and thinking this was Zachary being his usual jokester self I laughed and said “Get up! What are you doing?!” He stayed and continued “..of letting me take you as my wife?” My laughter turned into a nervous laugh and I turned around to see if I was the only one seeing this craziness - “What are you doing?” he asked. I turned back to him and looked at the box that held a beautiful solitaire diamond ring and then up to his handsome face and said “Is this for real?!” He laughed “Yes, this is for real!” I pulled him up closer to me and I started to shake and said “Babe. Stop. Is this for real?!” Again he laughed and said “Yes, what do you think?! Well…?” I looked at him and said “Of course!” And as I watched him put the ring on my finger, I just couldn’t wait to hug him and kiss him and yet I felt like this was all a dream and I had to look into his eyes to see if I could interpret the reality of the situation.

As I continue to process the reality of the situation he wears the biggest smile and laughs at me, saying “Babe, are you okay? Look at you!” I can’t help but giggle nervously as well but he laughs and it wears my nerves down. We make it back to the car and I keep looking at the ring that sits on my left hand… I just keep thinking to myself “Is this really for real life?” I try to hide the fact that I just keep staring at this ring from Zach but he’s watching me intently…loving every moment of it because I’m at a loss for words aside from “Is this for real?” and he just keeps giggling at me.

The rest of that day flies by, my family surprised me and met us at a restaurant along with Zachary’s parents and sister. I’m in a blur of shock, disbelief, and happiness. And in my head I find myself thinking “Oh my God, thank you! Is this for real, though?” over and over again but I know...this is definitely for real. 

...and it was "for real"!  Arlene & Zach tied the knot on November 7th, 2015 at a beautiful ceremony at First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda!

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness,
Marie