Jennifer & Tedd

Jennifer & Tedd – April 24, 2010 

Photo by Imagine Studios

Las Vegas Bride magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Bartol Florendo, was a recent bride herself. Maybe this is why she can relate so well to what brides go through as they plan their weddings! She can tell you, there were moments where it wasn’t easy, but in the end, it was amazing. Read her story, as told by Jennifer herself.

Bride: Jennifer Bartol

Groom: Tedd Florendo

Wedding Date: April 24, 2010

Number of Guests: 115

The Team of Professionals

Location: JW Marriott Resort and Spa

Invitations: 1^st Impressions Invitations

Photographer: Imagine Studios

Videographer: Lighten Films

Ice Sculpture: Ice Occasions

Candy Bar: Sweet Sensations Candy Station

Dance Lessons: A Perfect Wedding Dance

Ceremony Gown: Jessica McClintock

Reception Gown: Manuel Mota

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Wrap Dress, Bella Bridesmaid

Groom’s Tie: The Tie Bar

Groomsmen’s Ties: Dessy, Bella Bridesmaid

Makeup: One Luv Agency

Hair: Hair by Andeen

Tuxedos: Tuxedo Junction

Rehearsal Dinner: Buca di Beppo

Wine Labels: Art by Ellie

Caricature: The Girl Who Drew You

Custom Veil: Poison Candy Fashion

Necklace and Earrings: Custom Order

Wine Favors: Father of the Bride 

For the Love of Dogs 

A “tail” of true love for two people who had just about given up on finding it. 

It was a random Thursday in January 2008, Tedd was taking his dog to the park for some afternoon activity and I was taking my dog to the park to escape the reality of a recent life-altering afternoon. Three weeks earlier, my doctor had diagnosed me with diabetes. As I struggled to understand my diagnosis, all I could think of was the impossibility of finding a man who would accept my new baggage. That day, my beagle had other plans. He quickly conspired with Tedd’s golden retriever and soon my beagle was making a restroom out of the handsome man-in-the-dress-shirt’s shoe. Embarrassed as I was, I performed my dog-owner due diligence and quickly ran over to offer my apologies and clean up my dog’s business.

After the dog park, Tedd and I quickly grew a relationship that made movie love stories look tame. I was an event planner and writer. He was, and still is, the weatherman for our local CBS news station, KLAS-TV 8 News Now. Individually, we made plans to be together, forever. Together, we made plans to change the world. One year later, we were engaged. Fourteen months later, we gave our guests a party that they are still talking about today. Even for an event planner turned bridal magazine editor, it wasn’t always easy. All I ever wanted was a fun wedding to give our guests a unique experience. Together, I think we accomplished that.

The Proposal

Tedd proposed on January 1, 2009, just after midnight. We were celebrating New Years on Fremont St., where he was working on live coverage of the festivities. Five minutes before midnight, I joined him in the center of crowd and counted down the last few seconds of the year that introduced me to my great love. Three…two…one… “Happy New Year!” I planted a kiss upon his lips. And in return, he handed me a letter. As I neared the bottom of the page, he got on his knee and asked me to marry him.

 

Photo by Imagine Studios

Unique Elements

We wanted the guests to always remember how much fun they had and tried to give them an amazing experience. We followed suit of many brides before us, and featured two specialty drinks: The “Flo”tini and The Hangover. The Hangover was homage to the blockbuster hit by the same name, which inspired our Vegas themed grand entrance. When planning, we wanted guests to have tangible memories of the wedding. In addition to our homemade wine favors, we had a candy buffet, our photographer provided a photo booth, and we booked a caricature artist for our guests. All three had a line the entire evening! When it came to the first dance, we wanted it to be somewhat exciting. Nine weeks of dance lessons later, we had our first dance to Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and we did a combined father-daughter and mother-son dance to Queen’s “These Are the Days of Our Lives.”

 

Photo by Imagine Studios Photo by Imagine Studios, Caricature Artist: The Girl Who Drew You

 

Photo by Imagine Studios, Labels by Art by Ellie, Caricature by The Girl Who Drew You

 

Photo by Imagine Studios, Cake by Gimme Some Sugar, Ice Sculpture by Ice Occassions

Keeping it Fashionable

When it came to dresses, accessories and tuxes, my goal was to make the aisle our own personal runway. I chose a wrap dress for the bridesmaids. They all had the same dress, but each wrapped it in a different style. The bridesmaids also had the freedom to choose their own shoes. I just asked that they be sassy, and the girls delivered. For the reception, I changed into a short dress and our hairstylist, who is also a dear friend, changed everyone’s hair into a party style. I loved that we all had a different look at our grand entrance.  

 

Photo by Imagine Studios, Bridesmaids Dresses by DessyPhoto by Imagine Studios, Bridesmaids dresses by Dessy

Something Old

From the beginning, I knew my something old would be the veil from my mother’s wedding. I figured that if the veil gave her 39 years of happily ever after, maybe it would bring the same to us. The veil was made into a modern, birdcage style with a detachable feather fascinator that I wore for the reception.

 

Photo by Imagine Studios, Veil by Poison Candy Fashion

Most Memorable Moments

Before the ceremony, Tedd and I had a “first look” and took all photos, which we loved. Having that time alone was priceless. I chose both parents to walk me down the aisle. I am so close with them both; they were incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the planning process and in the weeks leading up to the wedding. On that walk, we talked, laughed and just enjoyed savored the moment. For Tedd, it was seeing all of his friends, from grade school until now, together in one place, at one time. Collectively, our vows still remain memorable. He choked up, even though he didn’t think that he would. As I knew would happen, I choked up at the “in sickness and in health” part. We have already been through that test, and saying it out loud just affirmed how lucky I truly am to have found this love.

 

First Look, Photo by Imagine Studios

 

 

First Look, Photo by Imagine Studios

 

First Look, Photo by Imagine Studios

 

First Look, Photo by Imagine Studios

Advice to brides

Don’t let anyone dictate your guest list, your menu, your location or anything else. Make the day is how you both want to remember it. There were times when people wrinkled their brows at our decisions, and it was difficult to manage some expectations. It became a great lesson in compromise. The success of planning your wedding together is a great measure of your success as a married couple. Overall, the wedding day was a reflection of who we are. It was fun, fashionable and full of love.

The big picture of the day was to marry the man who is my best friend, my partner in life. No matter what happened, if anything went wrong, rain or shine, at the end of the day, we were husband and wife. From that day forward.

 

Photo by Imagine Studios

Tip Tuesday: Holiday Tips for the Bride

Planning a Wedding During The Holidays While Keeping Your Sanity

 

Wedding planning is hard enough.  Now add the holidays, when baking, shopping, parties and family traditions consume your time; how do you manage wedding planning, oh, and keeping the amount of sanity you have left?  We’ve compiled some great tips for doing just that!

Organize Yourself

If you haven’t put together a wedding binder, nows the time!  The discipline of keeping organized will not only help you plan your wedding, but plan your time.  Don’t make your binder, or calendar, SO big and complicated you refuse to use it.  Make it carry along friendly.  Add your spreadsheets, and stick Holiday related lists in the front.

Invitation Guest List

Since the day you got engaged, you started updating and adding to your address book.  Therefore, sending Christmas cards this year should be a sinch.  If you’ve procrastinated on this, get going!  Just think, collecting the data is killing two birds with one stone.  There isn’t a more perfect time to collect this information, since you’ll most likely be seeing all your family and friends this time of year.  Just remember, keep your binder close!  Also, save postage and include an informal Save the Date with your Holiday cards!

 

Dress Shopping

As you shop around for new winter-wear, that cute holiday party outfit, or Christmas gifts, keep your eyes peeled for bridesmaid’s dresses.  These days bridesmaid dresses are fun and modern and can be found in almost any store!

Sale!

Black Friday and after Christmas sales are perfect for picking up those remaining items on your wish list, and also for grabbing some amazing wedding bargains!  You can grab strands of lights, candles, candies and even a pretty Honeymoon dress.

Mock Runs

Since you’ll most likely be having people over for a party, try out that wedding caterer, baker and florist you’ve been considering.  If you’re doing the DIY thing, try it out now!  You’ll get a good idea of the work involved and find out if you’re really capable of doing your own flowers, ifnothign else it’s great practice before the big day.

 

Hair and Make-up Test Run
Most brides have their hair and make-up trials, only to head home or run errands, looking a bit overdone.  Really completes the idea; “all dressed up and nowhere to go.”  If you plan things perfectly, you can test out your wedding day hair and makeup at your holiday party.

Dear Santa,

Feel free to include your wedding wish list items on your Christmas wish list.  Don’t be afraid to include your shoes, jewelry or other accessories.  You can even ask for gift certificates to that spa  for pre-wedding pampering, or to the limo company so you can upgrade your transportation.

Pay Extra Attention During Religious Services

Many people who don’t’ regularly attend a religious service, find themselves at church or synagogue during the holidays.  If you are one of these people, and are planning a religious wedding this is a perfect time to familiarize yourself with scripture, hymns or songs.  Many services this time of year are about celebrations, new life, miracles and love, all appropriate topics to include include in your wedding.  It’s also a great time to introduce yourself to the priest, rabbi or religious leader and if you’re interested, start some pre-wedding counseling

 

Enjoy the holidays as a bride-to-be.  Don’t kill yourself planning a wedding while getting through the holidays.  Find ways to combine the two and most of all have fun!  The holidays are only once a year and your wedding; once in a lifetime!

Elizabeth & Gerard

Elizabeth & Gerard – April 16, 2010

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge

Bride: Elizabeth Watts  

Groom: Gerard Ramalho  

Wedding Date: April 16, 2010  

Number of Guests: 125  

Length of Engagement: 14 months  

Colors: Pink, Orange, Green and Black  

The Dream Team  

Venue: Emerald at Queensridge  

Flowers: The Ivy House and Garden Florist  

Ice Sculpture: Ice Occasions  

Candy Bar: Sweet Sensations Candy Station  

Invitations: Michele’s Bridal  

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid  

Tuxedos: Tux One  

Rehearsal Dinner: Vintner Grill  

Love Is What Happens When Life Makes Other Plans  

They may be competitors on the clock, but off the clock they are each other’s best friend and inspiration.  

The Story of the Elizabeth and Gerard    

Elizabeth Watts met Gerard Ramalho while working for one of Las Vegas’ local news stations, KSNV News 3. Watts was hired to be the newsroom assistant when she caught Ramalho’s eye, on her first day on the job. “My co-workers relayed messages to her that I was interested and Elizabeth was pretty much embarrassed and uninterested. She was all business and very professional; however, I was very much determined. I would ask her out to lunch, dinner or whatever, but she would always turn me down. Then one night we both attended an employee’s birthday party at a local restaurant and I finally had some quality time, away from the office, with her,” said Ramalho.  

It was after that night when Watts agreed to finally take Ramalho up on his offer; resulting in what they consider to be a series of wonderful first dates. “Technically, I guess we had several first dates. I say that because all were equally memorable: A hike on Mt. Charleston, bingo at a local casino and listening to a live band at The Orleans,” recalled Ramalho.  

As their relationship blossomed, life quickly made other plans. The newly formed couple received an unexpected, yet welcomed, challenge. “Elizabeth was offered an on-air job at our sister station in Yuma, Ariz. This was her opportunity to pursue her career goals. We knew that she had to take it and it would be tough. But we also knew that we would be together, no matter what, and our relationship turned into a long-distance romance, with monthly drives to Yuma. It’s the only place hotter than Las Vegas!”  

 

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge, Flowers by The Ivy House & Garden

Just weeks before the wedding, Watts received another opportunity she could not pass up: accepting a job as a reporter for KVVU Fox5 News in Las Vegas. Both Ramalho and Watts have careers in media, allowing for a little friendly competition now and then. “There are times when we will see each other while covering the same story. And yes, when it comes to work we are competitors, but in life she is my inspiration and my best friend. And I am the luckiest man,” says Ramalho.  

How did you propose?   

We had planned on taking a ski trip that winter and knew I would propose then. I was so nervous, even though you go over things a million times in your mind. I thought I would do it when we were on the mountain top, so many people had told me not to do it there. If the ring were to fall into the snow, we would never find it! I knew we would be out on the town that night, we could find a romantic spot to sit at and I would do it then. At first, Elizabeth was reluctant to go out because she was tired from skiing all day; she just wanted to relax. At this point, nothing was going my way—all of the plans I had imagined were falling apart. Eventually, she agreed to go out. We went to a nice dinner and afterward we walked through the town, found that nice spot and sat down. It wasn’t a particularly romantic spot, but I had to do it. Her parents knew it was going to happen—I asked their permission and they were waiting for that call.  

 

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge, Dresses by Bella Bridesmaid, Tuxes by Tux One, Flowers by The Ivy House & Garden

How was it to plan a wedding, not only while you are living in different cities, but when your wife-to-be wasn’t in the city where the wedding would be held?  

It was frustrating. As a guy, I think that I did more than most guys. She was frustrated because she wasn’t here. I was meeting potential vendors and relaying the information back to her. When she would come to town, we would try to squeeze in as much as possible in those two days. Without the help of Las Vegas Bride, we wouldn’t have gotten everything done as easily.  

Your wedding was on a Friday evening, as more couples are choosing these days. Why did you pick that day?  

We knew that our guests would stay all weekend and we would be able to spend more time with them. In April, the weather is usually pretty nice, and it allowed us to have the ceremony outside.  It was timed perfectly, the sun was setting and it was a beautiful evening. As far as Friday, we also found there were more opportunities with Friday evenings. In Las Vegas, it can be hard to get a venue on a Saturday.  

 

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge, Cake by Queensridge Bakery

 

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge, Candy Station by Sweet Sensations Candy Station

  

Personalization is so prevalent with weddings, what special touches did you add to your day?   

We served signature drinks at the reception. Elizabeth had an “Eliza-tini,” and I had an “El Tigre,” which is a drink that my uncle created named after my father. We also had a candy bar. I’ve seen them at weddings recently and they are a huge hit.  

What is one of the greatest highlights or memories from your wedding day?  

The biggest highlight was seeing my bride, for the first time, as she walked down the aisle. When you see your bride for the first time, it’s an overwhelming feeling; an exhilarating moment. I also enjoyed seeing all of the guests that were here just for us. But seeing her was the best. For her, I know that when she danced with her dad that was a big moment. We had our brothers give speeches. One of my uncles from Mexico gave a speech in Spanish. It was nice, eloquent and funny.  

Now that it is over, describe the overall feeling of your day.   

We wanted it to be memorable, elegant, romantic and fun. It turned out great and was so much fun. Before leaving for our honeymoon in Costa Rica, we spent a few nights at Red Rock Resort. Our families stayed there too, and we were able to spend more time with them.  

 

Photo by Emerald at Queensridge

FREE FRIDAY! Mystic Dunes is offering an incredible discount for holiday brides!

Mystic Dunes and Golf Club will offer all 2012 / 2013 Holiday Brides 10% OFF our current wedding packages when they book by February 1, 2012.

 

Please contact Jessica Shelor, Group Event Manager at (407) 787-5615 directly

OR jessica.perez@diamondresorts.com

THANK YOU THURS: Special thanks to our amazing sponsors that made the 2011 Las Vegas Wedding Awards a great success!

The following vendors always go above and beyond for their brides, as this year’s sponsors of the Las Vegas Wedding Awards, there was no exception.  We place our trust and preference in the following companies, and recommend you, as a bride-to-be, check them out a well!

First of all, we couldn’t have had better MC’s;
Michelle Velez and Stephanie Jay, thank you beyond words for making the night run smoothly.

 

And thanks to the other contributing vendors below;

 

Alligator Soup – Invites
Tuxedo Junction – Tuxedos
Neon City Media – Videography
The Stirling Club – Venue
We Luv Flowers – Floral Décor
Jovani Linen & Floral – Décor
Phojo Photo – Photography
Dream Entertainment – DJ
Ice Occasions – Ice Sculpture
Sit on This – Chairs

On behalf of all of us at Las Vegas Bride, we are so very appreciative to all of you who stepped up to the plate and then some!

 

And lastly, thenight would have never happened without the amazing Mark Shaffer and Tammy Shaw-Shaffer!  Congratulations to our 2011 Forward Thinker Winner and his better half!