Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday Fun: Twitter
My husband was concerned that there could be permanent damage. And my symptoms were getting worse, so, with me kicking and screaming he took me to the emergency room. Fortunately for you, my tweets were apparently pretty comical.
And Saundra at Planning Forever has now dubbed me Thor. (Thanks Saun!)
So back my popular demand, and to give you a chuckle this Friday, here is my play by play at the ER. And I promise you, NONE of this is made up, it’s all based on my actual 8 hour ordeal in the ER wafting room. Don’t worry I am fine now.
April 21st: (the day after I hit my head)
9:21AM- Feels like I have been run over by a Mac truck! And have one day’s worth of work to catch up on- which = a week’s worth (why is that?)
1:53PM - Is at the ER- stupid bump on the head is making me sick to my stomach. Dizzy and blurring my vision- fun times ahead!
2:24PM - Triaged- CAT scan ordered, waiting again! Isn't this fun!
3:22PM - CAT scan check! That was super fun! Now hurry up and wait again!
3:43PM - Why are ER waiting rooms so darned cold! I swear I could freeze to death in here before I see a doctor!
4:20PM - Dear lady in night gown and no shoes, why are you screaming and cursing? You are disrupting the man puking blood and can't breathe lady!
4:48PM - No shoes lady just left screaming to no one- thank you for the sh*tty medical care- fun times!
5:00PM - More fun times at the ER- tattoo all over lady decided to do stand up not so comedy for the whole waiting room- seriously where am I?
5:11PM - Is still waiting at the ER- no shoes and night gown lady is back, and bleeding prom dress girl joined the party!
6:08PM - Seriously! 6 hours in the ER waiting room- is this normal? Puking blood man, bleeding Prom dress girl, and no shoes girl and I are now BFFs!
6:23PM - Just joining the ER waiting room party- 1 ton man, missing 2 fingers man, and boy with 7 missing teeth holding a bloody napkin to his mouth!
6:26PM - A big huge ER welcome to can't breathe crying hysterical girl and black dress blue shoes lady! I swear you can't make this stuff up!
6:54PM - Dear Mom of crying hysterical not sick kid- please leave the ER waiting room, bleeding man and no shoes lady are looking at you funny!
7:14PM - ER waiting room welcoming committee welcomes crying bloody nose boy! I was thinking of faking a seizure- but God knows what is on this floor!! Ewww!
7:30PM - New Chinese Water torture - ER waiting room with migraine, dizzy, sick stomach. Fun times!
7:33PM - Oh yes, please kid who's not sick, keep dropping you big ass book on the floor, and your sister singing Hannah Montana, she sucks!
8:00PM - My name was called- now waiting for a doctor while sitting on a bed. 8:20PM - Official diagnosis - big ole concussion!
All THAT for some lousy drugs- and a massive headache!
Then I went home put some frozen corn on my head, and worked on the lap top… until Karry at UY Events yelled at me, and then I went to bed.
I hope you enjoyed my story… it is pretty funny looking back, I swear, I was waiting for those Candid Camera peeps to pop out from around the corner!
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:08 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous, Twitter
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Inspiration Board: Winter Wonderland

Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:40 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Better than a Bouquet










Additional Sources:
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:27 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Flowers and Decor
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
My Wedding
A few weeks ago I showed you actual pictures from my wedding that were taken my our "photographer" - really pitiful. You all were so sweet in offering suggestions for us to re-take our pictures, maybe one day! Maybe...
What I failed to mention is that prior to our wedding a local photographer had asked us to model for a class, if John and I would wear our wedding clothes. Now, John and I are NOT models by any stretch of ANY imagination. But I had faith that Powers Photography wouldn't do me wrong.
Plus, there was this super cool new thing that they were doing called Photojournalistic where John and I didn't even have to do anything... (remember this was 1998)
Here's a snippit of what they did for us, that John and I are so unbelievably grateful for!
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 4:03 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous, Real Weddings
Monday, July 6, 2009
Good Graffiti
Why does the word "graffiti" have to have a negative connotation to it? Sure, we love the personalization of gobo lights. But, this takes things a step further. We were smitten when we were sent the link to Wonderful Graffiti.

Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:09 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Flowers and Decor
Friday, July 3, 2009
Inspiration Board: Blueberry
{boutonniere, shoes, cake, couple, invitation, dress, tarts, setting}
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:39 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Inspiration Board: Green Apple
To balance out the realm of colors, today we have a beautiful green apple board - also made by Ashley. I love the freshness of the kelly green and all the adorable ways to incorporate apples into your wedding! Such a fresh, Spring-like theme, isn't it?
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 4:29 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Inspiration Board: Strawberry Dream
{dresses via Style Me Pretty, drink, strawberry slices, ring shot, shoes, car via Divine Occasions, bride, flowers}Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:31 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Inspiration Board: Orange Citrus
Creating this board made me realize just how many shades of orange there are and how difficult of a color it is. You see, in searching for it online when you type "orange" you have both the words "orange" as in the color orange and "orange" as in the citrus, which, conveniently is also orange. Phew.
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:14 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Monday, June 29, 2009
Inspiration Board: Lemon
{lemonade, cake, invitation, shoes, lemons in vase, yellow dress, flowers via Eventfully Yours, tablescape via SD Wedding Insider, bridal dress via Kelly Oshiro Events, clutch, lemons}
So, what do you think?
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:22 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Friday, June 26, 2009
Inspiration Board: Mint Chocolate Chip
Here is another beautiful board Ashley made entitled "Mint Chocolate Chip." With the soft, light green color and warm chocolate tones, I think the title perfectly correlates to the board.

Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:16 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wet DJ!
As the photographer looked over his shoulder he noticed these huge dark clouds that were heading towards our lovely bride and groom.
The DJ who had his expensive equiptment set up for the ceremony and cocktail hour had stepped inside, as his job was done for about 20 minutes, the rest of the ceremony.
The minister out of the corner of his eye saw the blackness that was invading our glorious nuptials, decided to hurry up the ceremony as to not leave the guests and our lovely bride in groom in the wetness that was about to occur.
The bride and groom kissed, they headed inside the
Although our handsome DJ who was inside still thinking the ceremony was progressing, had no idea that his equiptment just recieved a bath.
UH- OH!
You have to be prepared for the worst of the worst at the very least!
Photo: Corbis
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 4:42 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Music; Miscellaneous
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Be a Planner: Class Offering
Thrilled to announce that Be a Planner will be offering another certification class in July in Gainesville, Florida. The class will be held July 25-26, 2009 from 8AM-5PM both days at the beautiful Sweetwater Branch Inn.
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:18 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Being a Wedding Planner, MWC
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dash for the Dress!
Just wanted to remind you that Gainesville's own Solutions Bridal is hosting their 1st annual Dash for the Dress, a charity bridal sample sale.
The event is to take place on June 27th from 8AM to 12PM and a portion of the proceeds are to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Designer Dresses will be priced anywhere from $99-$699 (dresses that are valued up to $5000)!
And they will also have some bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses on sale. But the event will be cash only and they are encouraging brides to get there early because dressing rooms will be limited. In additon, there will be a large selection of veils, jewelery, and headpieces!

Brides, if you are still looking for that perfect dress, who knew you could have a designer one fit your budget!? Please contact Solutions Bridal in Gainesville at (352) 367-0070.
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 4:52 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous
Monday, June 22, 2009
My Best Friend's Wedding!!!
My BFF got married last month!!! So, Lauri called me and said here's the deal, Will and I are getting married!!!!
We all kind of knew this was happening eventually, but to hear the words, made it all the more real.
Then reality kicked it, what's my role gonna be?
And then the answer became obvious:
- Wedding Planner (Duh!)
- Matron of Honor (aka, Best Woman)
- Officiant (aka, Hitcher)
- Hair Up-Do'er
- Controller of the Weather
- Cake Baker (although, I delgated this one)
Did I mention she got married Memorial Day weekend, the weather was terrible! Like terrible, awful, monsoon like. Luckily, I have a great connection with Mother Nature, and she parted the rain drops for 40 minutes, enough for the ceremony and some pictures afterwards. Perfect!!!
Meet Lauri, my very best friend.
Meet Lauri's new husband Will, and their son Jaxson:
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 4:47 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Labels: Real Weddings
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hyatt Hotels Gift Registry
Recently we heard news that Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has released their new Hyatt Gift Registry where couples can "register online for a host of amenities, services and accommodations at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide. Imagine spa treatments, dinners on the beach, scuba diving or an anniversary stay at a favorite hotel on a gift registry."


Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:39 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Registering;
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wedding Times
Since we love linking to some of the best resources out there for wedding planning and weddings on the web, we thought that sharing one of our new favorites with you, Wedding Times, seemed only appropriate.


Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:05 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Link Love
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
And the Winner Is!
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 10:41 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Impulsive Give-Away
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Check us Out!
Posted by Melissa DiStefano at 4:06 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous, Photography
Monday, June 15, 2009
Brides and Bellinis
MasterPiece Weddings in collaboration with Unforgettable Events, A'vie, and the Gainesville Golf and Country Club is pleased to announce our upcoming event Brides and Bellinis.
Where: Gainesville Golf and Country Club When: Sunday, June 28, 2009, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Please RSVP by June 14, 2009 Cost $15
Includes Sit Down Dinner and Schmoozing with Fantastic Vendors
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:01 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Events
Friday, June 12, 2009
Surprise Wedding Reception
Can you imagine heading down to the Courthouse to spontaneously (or not so spontaneously) wed your beloved in a low-budget low-stress kind of way and be surprised with a wedding reception outside, downtown, FOR FREE afterward? Yea, we can't imagine that either. And, apparently, neither could this couple. Tell me this isn't hilarious! So much fun!
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:55 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous, Video Clips
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Get Married Magazine
Written by Ashley, the intern at MasterPiece Weddings:

Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:59 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Miscellaneous, Planning Tips
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Inspiration Board: Black and White Photography
Here's another beautiful board by Ashley, the intern at MasterPiece Weddings. Inspired by the dramatic impact of black and white photography, Ashley composed a board entirely of black and white shots.
{bride on stairs, getaway car, bride in front of window, flowers, invitation, kiss via Style Me Pretty, just married sign, dress on bed, flower girl} It's striking, isn't it? I love it but what do you think?
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:37 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Inspiration Boards
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Giveaway: Colin Cowie's Wedding Chic
Remember when we talked about how much we loved Colin Cowie? Well, he sent us a copy of his new book and we are thrilled to be able to give it away on the blog! With it's gorgeous glossy pages and beautiful ideas and images gracing every page, this is a giveaway that you DON'T want to miss out on.
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:52 AM 15 comments Links to this post
Labels: Giveaway
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wedding Jumpstart
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 6:43 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Events
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Dollar Dance
Here at MasterPiece Weddings we read a lot of blogs. But sometimes, on the ever so rare occasion, certain blogs stand out from the pack. Tim Gill's The Dollar Dance is one of those blogs. While the focus of the blog has been on personal finance since it's inception a year ago, Tim recently made the very wise decision to focus the blog more specifically on small business finance.
In Tim's own words: The purpose of The Dollar Dance is to offer business and financial advice to small businesses, primarily to those in the wedding industry. As a business owner, you need to be able to concentrate on what you do best. Please allow The Dollar Dance to be a resource for you to turn to when questions arise regarding taxes, payroll, accounting, pricing and the like.
With his new focus, Tim has been posting lately on the broad topic "Learning What You Need to Succeed" with specific focuses like learning to manage your time and learning to know your limits. His posts have been very insightful and fabulous advice for new and seasoned business owners alike. He offers a fresh perspective on the world of small business finance and management. Tim, we are so excited about your new venture and cannot wait to see where you go with this.
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:50 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tracey and Matt: The Pro Pics
Do you remember when we talked about our lovely (and incredibly photogenic) clients Tracey and Matt? Well, Lindsey from Pure recently posted their pro shots and wow. We could not be more impressed.







Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:51 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Real Weddings
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Paying the Price - Part II of II
At my wedding last year we put disposable cameras on each table hopeful that guests would snap a few unforgettable moments on their own. But alas, in every shot the lighting was so dim and angle so poor that most of them are indiscernible.Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:45 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Budget, Photography
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Paying the Price - Part I of II
This week, we wanted to touch a little bit on the importance of photography. It seems one of the biggest concerns in planning any wedding is the dreaded "b" word: budget.
And, while keeping within your budget can be extremely important, and sometimes even critical, we at MasterPiece Weddings firmly believe that photography should not be the place to skimp.
Take a look at these photos. These are beloved photos from our very own Melissa's wedding back in the early 1990s. For budget reasons, Melissa opted not to hire a professional photographer and regrets it to this very day.




Instead of opting out of hiring a professional photographer, we suggest hiring the best photographer you can find and just getting their cheapest package.
Do you have any thoughts on skimping or saving with photography?
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:46 AM 12 comments Links to this post
Labels: Budget, Photography
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dash for the Dress
Thrilled to announce that Gainesville's own Solutions Bridal is hosting their 1st annual Dash for the Dress, a charity bridal sample sale. The event is to take place on June 27th from 8AM to 12PM and a portion of the proceeds are to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Designer Dresses will be priced anywhere from $99-$699 (dresses that are valued up to $5000)! And they will also have some bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses on sale. But the event will be cash only and they are encouraging brides to get there early because dressing rooms will be limited.
Brides, if you are still looking for that perfect dress, who knew you could have a designer one fit your budget!? Please contact Solutions Bridal in Gainesville at (352) 367-0070.
Posted by Amanda B. Young at 5:33 AM 0 comments Links to this post



























