Just Marry! Wedding planning DVD

It's hard to believe that one of the first contacts I made in the wedding industry was Susan Southerland of Just Marry!. That was 1993, and we remain good friends to this day. I've experienced so many unforgettable weddings with Susan at the helm, and I respect her forward thinking in both the luxury and destination wedding markets.

In keeping with that, she has produced a wedding planning DVD that will surely be of assistance for any bride looking for invaluable tips from the area's top wedding professionals.

In a recent review, Jean Patteson, fashion editor of the Orlando Sentinel wrote: "One of the best DVDs I’ve viewed is JustMarry!: Wedding Planning Secrets by Orlando wedding planner Susan Southerland. She covers everything from selecting a gown, invitations and venue, to working with vendors — photographers, musicians, bakers, caterers and more. Packed with no-nonsense tips for saving time, money and stress, the DVD is aimed at both do-it-yourself brides and those working with professional planners."

Well done, Susan!

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"Down The Aisle" ... again!

One of my professional highlights from 2007 was the "Down The Aisle" wedding show at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. Spearheaded by Lisa Konecny of E-Events, the show was a fantastic assemblage of fashion, music, floral design, as well as some of Orlando's best wedding artists. It was a great night.

When Lisa shared with me her idea of taking the showcase to the Denver Ritz Carlton in July and asked if I would be interested in re-joining her team, I couldn't say yes fast enough. Signed, sealed, delivered.

This year's show will bring together Project Runway's Austin Scarlett (returning from his appearance last year), photography by Garrett Nudd and Ryan Joseph, Botannica, and DJ Carl. I can't tell you how pleased I will be to see my old buddy Kristy Chenell at her new Ritz Carlton property in Denver.

In addition to creating the opening video presentation, I was also honored to produce the piece of the entire show. It's in 3 parts: pre-show production (including interview with Austin Scarlett), room decor, and finally my favorite part, the fashion show. I love editing this stuff!

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Music I Love -- Pugwash

Oh how I love "power pop". It's a certain sub-genre of music typified by stick-in-your-head melodies and inventive arrangements. As an example, you need look no further than the Beatles because they are the reference point for just about all great power pop. It's not a genre that gets much airplay or garners many sales, but my iPod is stuffed with it.

Here's an excellent example, "Take Me Away" by an Irish band called Pugwash.

A Tale Of Two Sisters

Last weekend I had the honor to cover the second of two spectacular weddings for Orlando's Dello Russo family. What a great bunch they are, and man, can they throw a wedding!

Thanks to John Unrue for the photo of me and mother-of-the-bride(s), Diane Dello Russo.

In 2004, oldest daughter Tracy was married to Jeff at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, with a wedding team consisting of Wonderful Weddings, John Unrue Photography, Raining Roses, Beautiful Music, About Face, Weddings Only DJ Entertainment, and yours truly. When a wedding comes off as beautifully as Tracy's did, there didn't seem to be a need to re-invent the wheel when youngest daughter Kelly announced her engagement last year!

It was deja-vu all over again -- in the best possible way -- when we reconvened last weekend for Kelly and Steve's breathtaking wedding. It was so nice to get caught up with the family, and to meet Tracy and Jeff's young daughter Ava! I tell ya, that's one good lookin' kid (and another is on the way!).

My only regret is that we are now officially out of unmarried Dello Russo daughters -- they have the best weddings!

This quick-edit, "coming attraction" clip was online for them the day after their wedding.

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Classic Rock; Classic Wedding!

Below you can experience the highlights from the wedding of Joan and Tom, who hosted an unforgettable wedding at Isleworth Country Club. All of the stops were pulled out for this one! An outdoor evening reception, full fireworks display, and entertainment provided by 60's rock legends Jefferson Airplane. Yep, that Jefferson Airplane. The evening ended with the band changing the lyrics to their hit "Jane" to "Joan", and the bride dancing in the fountain.

Our wedding team consisted of Weddings Unique, John Unrue Photography, Lee James Floral, and Beautiful Music.

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Demo-liscious (part 1)

It's been a 2 month gestation period but my 2008 demo compilation is here! Actually I have another one in the works too which will have an entirely different feel (for that one I'm using music from an Icelandic band called Sigur Ros -- the most otherworldly and indescribably beautiful music you'll ever hear). I'm sure I'll blogblogblog about it when it's done so keep checking back if you'd like to take a look.

Crank up your speakers!

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