Home-grown: Etiquette of Chocolate

One of my goals this year is to put a little more effort into developing a local resource for North Florida Brides within the blog. While those plans are underway but not nearly close to completion (more on that later)... I want to introduce you to my most recent find.... Etiquette of Chocolate- located on Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park, Florida. Jaycel and Judy are bringing such a refined (and delicious) treat to the first coast. They studied at the French Culinary Institute in NYC and interned under Ron Ben-Israel, thus one can expect nothing short of mouth-watering delight within each of their carefully crafted bonbons. I was introduced to this duo through a current bride of mine. We have been working closely with Jaycel and Judy to develop both a gorgeous cake design and a favor concept centered around their signature line of bonbons. Each bonbon is named after relationships that people form (love, compassion, etc)- all elements that my bride felt were essential within her marriage... thus we are naming her tables after each of these, offering a sampling of the delicious squares to her guests, and attaching a little love letter from the couple- explaining how each element is important to them. I am excited for to carry out the execution and will be sure to share pictures from this one in July. In the mean time, be sure to stop into either Matthew's Market (San Marco) or Bottega di Bella Sera (Park and King near 5 points)or Etiquette of Chocolate Studio (Kinglsey Ave in Orange Park) to pick up your box to share or indulge solo...

Snapshot: Jeanne Ciasullo

Last night I was searching the web for inspiration and ideas and somehow stumbled upon a really interesting photgrapher... as I flipped through her work, I was really impressed by the raw-quality that it had- capturing life as it is and not necessarily like we imagine it to be..... and then came one picture- a familiar place... and suddenly I realized that this photographer was local. Since then I have made contact with Jeanne and found her to be a lovely gal- and look forward to working with her soon...Jeanne is fairly new to Jacksonville and does amazing portrait, wedding, and children phorography. Additionally, she is accomplished as a makeup artist as well. Her site is a little under construction and the new one will lanch in a week or so- but stop by and show her some love...

Agnes Lopez Part II

Alright.. so I showcased Agnes a while back... but I had to give her another round... as she seems to be maturing in her already-uber talented portfolio. It appears that she is transitioning from the colors that POP out and scream "Fashion Photographer"... to a more grainy and saturated look... I think it suits her- and I am loving the new branding.... she also offers a commercial side for models and professionals, and if you are looking for an amazing photographer in the Jacksonville area- I just don't think that it can get much better than this... she is pleasant and always delivers quality work and service....

On a side note... saw this photo on Agnes's blog and it reminded me of what a wonderful idea this is... attaching a locket to the bouquet... I have had brides include pictures of those loved ones that are no longer with them... that could not make it to the special day... or even the two parents' wedding pictures... it really makes the day that much more special!

Homegrown Knotie

Just browsing the Knot... saw a Jacksonville Bride (they are so few and far between when it comes to getting published... are we all really THAT busy... or are all of our brides just destination weddings?)... in any case... loved it and thought I would share... This is a great example of a bride that saw amazing wedding elements from around the wedding scene and brought photos to her local vendors to mimick... (hence the cake inspired by Vanilla Bakery)... kudos to the homegrown couple! (photos are via the oh-so-talented Leah Powell... check out her site when you get the chance- I really love her work and she is such a doll to work with)

Snapshot: Darice Michelle

I did a destination wedding in Ponte Vedra Beach this past weekend for nearly 200 guests and a high-profile bride... in a monsoon... with the tagline of the event being "welcome to the sunshine state"... It was bananas! Amongst all of the chaos, I looked over to see that the second shooter on this wedding was none other than the ever-so-talented Darice Michelle. I had admired her work for quite some time but had yet to work with her... and I must say that she was a delight! The thing that I like most about Darice's work is her attention to detail. As an event designer, I spend countless hours perfecting small details of the day which I find to be "subconciously impactual" meaning that no one knows that they are there and no one would miss them if they were gone- but when they think back to the wedding- I hope that these are the little things that come to mind (the monogrammed towels in the bathrooms... the signature drink with berries at the bottom... the cohesive thread that bound the entire event... the milk and cookies on their pillow after the reception). I really appreciate that Darice takes the same approach with her photography- capturing all of those tiny moments in time that were so special and really may have gone unnoticed if not for her lense. Hooray for her- and you should check out both her site and blog... they are rather impressive (but in a comforting, non pretencious kind of way... sort of like a visit to an old friend...)

Sweet Nothings: Camicakes

I admit it ... I have been procrastinating with the whole "homegrown" list... sorry! In my defense, the Fall Event Season has begun ... however- I promise to make it up to all you J-ville brides... I come bearing gifts- perfect confectionary gifts... from Camicakes...

I still remember the first time I saw Camicakes... I was a little bummed that the foodcourt had done away with my favorite salad place... but the disappointment was short-lived as soon as I spotted the delightful pink and brown bakery that had taken its place.... amidst a sea of greasy supersized menus... floated this beacon of light that drew me in immediately... and what I found were gourmet cupcakes- seriously... the flavors are AMAZING... my favorite (being a southern belle) is the sweetpotato... yummy yum yum... I love that they skip all the fondant fru-fru and deliver amazing flavor in a darling little package...

Andra Hall began her passion for baking with an easy-bake oven, her grandmother's, support, and her mother's guidence in the kitchen... this passion has developed into such a delightful company that shares their love of the world at large in the form of comfort-food inspired treats... I really love how you can really taste this passion in each bite.... but don't take my word for it- buy a dozen or two (and they even ship nationwide...)

Homegrown: Glenn Certain Floral Design Studio

Continuing with my efforts to showcase a few of Jacksonville's hometown superstars... I give you the talented Glenn Certain. If you are in the area, you should definately give his studio a visit- it's located in Avondale at the corner of Park and King... it's amazing and inspiring- just like his wonderful floral pieces of art... While his site does have pictures of past events, they really do not do his work justice... I advise brides to go in and view his portfolio or ask to stop in on a day when he is preparing for a large event... his floral arrangements can also be found at many of the businesses around Jacksonville, and there is almost always something fabulous showcased in MOCA's lobby....

Snapshot: Agnes Lopez

Alright... I know that I promised a Homegrown list by this week- and I am hoping that you are forgiving enough to give me until Friday- that being said, I will try my best to highlight some of the First Coast's Gems throughout the week...

First up is one of my most favorite photographers, Agnes Lopez. I came across Agnes several years ago by chance- my sister was looking to have photos done professionally and I was helping her to find photographers in the area... when I came across Agnes's site I was blown away to find that she was here- in our humble little town- I ended up booking her immediately and my pictures turned out wonderful... since then, I have referred my brides to her religiously and have been thanked time and time again as she never fails to deliver consistent magazine-worthy albums...

I love Trash the Dress Sessions as much as the next- and really find them to be inspiring from an editorial point-of-view... but many of my brides are a bit intimidated when it comes to even uttering "trash" and their "dress" in the same sentence (after all- it DID take us over a dozen visits to even commit to it and after numerous fittings it has developed into an endearing relationship)... thus I really love Agnes's bridal shoots... she comes from a fashion photography background and has such talent for bringing out the inner model in every bride... they offer that "Vogue Edge" of a T the D session without the dry cleaning bill ...

(I have a bit of a soft spot for clever ring shots and pretty shoes... I couldn't resist)