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Posts Tagged ‘fort myers’

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is teaming up with Studio Six Eleven Events and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida to create a Lemonade Wedding Giveaway for a deserving couple that has come upon some sour times!   We are searching for the couple that wants to get married but may be faced with financial obsticals, job loss, health risks or other complicated situations beyond their control.

Step back into “Tropical Old Florida” at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and experience the beauty of Fort Myers that won the hearts of two of the greatest American inventors.  Imagine being surrounded by royal palms, historic bamboo, orchids, countless other tropical plants and old Florida homes along the Caloosahatchee River.  The Edison & Ford Winter Estates has preserved our local history and educated our community on innovation and  natural resource preservation while maintaining the  charm, elegance  and beauty of the Estates. 

Date: September 12, 2010

Ceremony Location:  Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Reception Location: The Heitman House

Reception Coordination: Elle Events

Event Design & Planning and Custom Invitations: Studio Six Eleven

Bride & Groom’s Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services

Ceremony Flowers: Patty’s Flower Shop

Reception Flowers: Fort Myers Floral Designs

Photography: Duquette Photography and Shari Brownie Photography

Officiant: Elegant Affairs

Groom’s Tux & Ring Bearer Tux: Black Tie Tuxedo

Wedding Bands: Provident Jewelry

Reception Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linens

Wedding Cake: Kakes by Karen

One Nights Honeymoon Stay: Hotel Indigo, Downtown Fort Myers

Fill out the contest entry form at www.lemonadewedding.com or stop by a participating Goodwill Store to tell us your sweet love story and the bitter times you’ve shared along with a picture of the two of you.

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When searching for the perfect location to have their engagement portraits taken, outdoor enthusiasts Kasee and Steven were drawn to the diverse natural setting of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  These fantastic photos taken by photographer Deanna Sommella of Captivating Creations make for the perfect beginning to the new chapter in their lives together.

Click photos to enlarge:

Photography: Captivating Creations / Deanna Sommella / 239.910.6736 / captivatingcreationsbydeanna@yahoo.com

Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

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by Tori Lawless, Event Coordinator
There are so many things to think about when trying to put together your wedding.  If you don’t already have a florist in mind, how do you know where to start?  I interviewed one of the Estates’ Preferred Florists, JH Designs, to get some insight on what you should know before choosing a wedding florist.

Who is JH Designs?

We are a wedding specialty shop with floral services, rental equipment, reception décor and accessories, party favors and invitationsJH Designs is a family run business owned by Helen Singleton, a graduate of the South Florida School of Floral Design.  All Fort Myers natives, Helen’s daughter, Reba, and sister, Jean, work in the shop as well.  Helen owned and operated a successful full service flower shop for ten years prior to opening JH Designs in 1991.  The shop was recognized in The Knot’s Best of Weddings for 2007/2008, and 2008/2009.

What are some creative touches you are seeing with bridal bouquets?

We use beads, pearls, rhinestones, and crystals in our bouquets (depending on the bride’s preference).  We also incorporate specialty ribbons for wrapping stems.  On occasion, the bride may have a family heirloom to include in the bouquet such as a bible, rosary beads, photos, jewelry, initials, or handkerchiefs.  These added touches make for a unique bouquet that has sentimental value to the bride.

What are the most common bouquet styles?   

Hand-tied Bouquet: This is our most popular request. Flowers are gathered in a “loose arrangement” and wrapped with ribbon with a few stems exposed or completely wrapped depending on preference.

Cascading Bouquet: The cascade is a more traditional bouquet where the flowers are formed to hang downward in a long or short tail. The length and size of the bouquet are typically proportionate to the size of the bride.

Arm/Presentation Bouquet: This type is a bouquet of long-stem flowers that is carried in the crook of the arm rather than in both hands.

What types of flowers do you suggest for outdoor weddings in Florida?

It depends on the season.  In the fall, winter, and spring, just about any flower that is in season will survive the outdoor elements for the ceremony.  The summer months can be a challenge.  The most popular choices are roses, calla lilies, and orchids.

Photo by Images Wedding Photography

Why should a bride hire a florist rather than buy and arrange her own flowers?

Planning a wedding can be a tremendous task.  The perceived cost savings of arranging your own flowers does not factor in the time and frustration it takes to try to duplicate the designer look.  It is not always less expensive or as easy as it may seem. For many brides, hiring a trusted professional for your wedding is a true savings of money and stress in the long run.

Photo by Images Wedding Photography

What qualities should a bride look for when deciding on a florist? 

Experience, quality of flowers, recommendations from other brides and vendors, and value for price should all be considered.  It is important to us at JH Designs that the bride feels at ease and that we understand and produce the look that they desire for their wedding.  That element of trust between the bride and her florist is very important.  We are extremely proud of the fact that many of our brides become dear friends throughout the wedding planning process.

JH Designs / 7181 College Parkway, Suite 28 Fort Myers, FL 33907 / (239) 277-0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarqmail.com

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Fort Myers Waterfront Wedding Venue | La Vie En Rose: Virginia & Cameron’s Wedding

When looking through the photos of Virginia and Cameron’s March wedding in the Coconut Grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, “Pretty In Pink” is what comes to mind.  There are elements that hint at an “Old Florida” theme and there are even a few references to birds, a play on Cameron’s last name, Byrd.  But the theme most important to the couple when planning their big day was “Fun.” 

Fun is definitely what they got when they hired wedding planners Kristi Edwards and Julie Johnson of Happily Ever After to make their dreams become reality.   Below is the proof  in photos taken by Luminaire Foto.

Click photos to enlarge:

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Wedding Planning: Happily Ever After / 239.433.4625 / www.happilyeverafter4u.com / happilyeverafter4u@comcast.net

Photography: Luminaire Foto / 239.848.8926 / www.luminairefoto.com / karl@luminairefoto.com

Reception Location: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Invitations: The Paper Mill / 239.437.2252 / www.thepapermill-florida.net / loveis@thepapermill-florida.net

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Florida Wedding Venue | Sunset Wedding at the Fig Tree: Geremy & Troy

Geremy and Troy are one of those couples that remind you of sunshine.  Everytime I run into these two, I can’t help but have a good time.  The details of their March wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  in Fort Myers, Florida truly reflected both their sense of style and their sense of humor.  The cermony took place at sunset under the great Mysore Fig Tree whose leaves were just beginning to sprout after a long Florida winter. 

“We chose The Edison & Ford Winter Estates because we were going for the historic look of Fort Myers.  You can’t get more historic than getting married at The Edison & Ford Winter Estates!  We had our reception at The Edison Restaurant to complete the historic feel.  We didn’t want to do the typical Florida beach wedding.  We loved the grounds at the Estates because of the scenery and just the overall beauty of the grounds.  We absolutely loved getting married in front of the big fig tree.  Just the way the sun was coming through the branches made it feel unbelievable!” says Troy. 

We agree!  Take a look at these magical photographs captured by Jamie Lee Photography and see if you feel the same way (click photos to enlarge):

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Officiant: BareFoot We Wed / 239.699.0426 / www.barefootwewed.com / info@barefootwewed.com

Photography: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Flowers: Signature Florals / 239.454.0653 / www.signature-florals.com / susan@signature-florals.com

Music: Richard Blasich Hammered Dulcimer / 989.370.3056 / rblasich@gmail.com

Reception: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

Wedding Cake: Vicki’s Sweet Things Ice Cream & Cakery / 239.462.8537

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With only their closest friends and family present, Ashley and Justin had the small intimate wedding they dreamed of.  They were married in the fall in the Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  The green and white florals were all designed by the bride’s family. 

“The wedding was very small and simple, but i still just love looking at the pictures,” says Ashley. 

So do we – take a look (click on photos to enlarge):

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Photography: Photo Plus / 239.243.8655 / www.myframedphoto.com

Hair & Make Up: The Hair Gallery Salon and Day Spa / 239.549.3120 / www.hairgallerysalonanddayspa.com / hairgallerysalon@embarqmail.com

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by Rebecca Jones, Collections Information Specialist 

Fort Myers, FL March 1918 –  During the spring of 1918, Charles Edison, son of Thomas and Mina Edison, came to the family estate in Fort Myers for a much-needed rest.  America was in the midst of World War I, and the Edison family was deeply involved on the home front.  While Thomas Edison conducted experimental work for the Naval Consulting Board on a ship off the coast of Key West, youngest son Theodore was stationed on an uninhabited island, working away at a technical invention designed for use in trench warfare.  Charles took on the responsibility of running the myriad Edison Industries during his father’s absence, quite an undertaking for a young man 27 years old.

During that time, Charles’ sweetheart of six years, Carolyn Hawkins, worked long hours assisting medical staff at Harvard University in preparing for oversees deployment at an army hospital.  Charles asked his mother Mina if she would mind inviting Carolyn to accompany him to their winter home and get away from the hustle and bustle of wartime work.  Mina agreed and the young couple arrived in Fort Myers at the end of March 1918.

On a moonlit night at the end of the Seminole Lodge dock overlooking the Caloosahatchee, Charles proposed to Carolyn by asking her, “Do you want a large wedding?” Apparently she didn’t, so the two decided to be married right away in Florida.  Once they received Mina’s blessing, telegrams were sent to family members announcing their plans.  Thomas Edison wired back, “If you have decided it must be done, then the sooner it is done the better.  It can’t be any worse than life in front line trenches. Impossible for Theodore or myself to come.”

Once Thomas Edison’s blessing was secured, Carolyn purchased a white gown and flowers and the couple went downtown to get their marriage license.  Many years later, Charles recalled acquiring the license with some amusement: “The night before Carolyn and I had attended a dance.  There was a young man there who took a shine to Carolyn.  He wanted to call on her.  When we went to get the license, who should be the official to issue it but this same young man.  Flabbergasted, he counted himself out of the running right then and there.”

On March 27, 1918, Charles and Carolyn Edison were married in the Seminole Lodge gardens in front of a camphor tree and a cinnamon tree with a large Japanese umbrella tree serving as a backdrop.  A rug was rolled out from the house to a small altar lit with candles.  Mina Edison gave the bride away while two household staff members served as witnesses.  According to Charles, “Carolyn was as nervous as if the ceremony were being held in a cathedral.”

The wedding made front page news in the Fort Myers Press the next morning, wherein it was noted, “The marriage took place in the favorite spot of Thomas A. Edison.  Under the palms and surrounded by the tropical foliage of Seminole Lodge, the place he loves best and where he throws aside his work and really plays.”

After the ceremony ended, the newlyweds decided to take a “honeymoon” and packed sandwiches up for a drive to the beach in the now-famous Model T given by Henry Ford to Thomas Edison in 1914.  The couple planned to drive down to the Gulf of Mexico and catch a few fish to eat for supper back at Seminole Lodge.  Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were too thick to enjoy the beach, so the newlyweds decided to celebrate with an impromptu chocolate ice cream soda at Hunter’s Drugstore in Fort Myers.  Charles remembered, “That was our honeymoon.”

Charles and Carolyn Edison were married for 45 years and visited the Edison Winter Estate in Fort Myers frequently.

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When you meet your soulmate, you expect to have a lot in common.  Having a common first name is not on that list of expectations.  Though they spell it differently, I couldn’t help but call these two “The Ranees” (or “The Renes” – depending on who you ask). 

The wedding took place on a beautiful November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic Ford Property at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL.  The tropical turquoise and coral decor really popped against the natural greens and browns of the Estates grounds.  The photos below were taken by Meagan Mason Photography.

Click photos to enlarge:

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions// weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Florist: Balloons & Flowers To Go / 239.278.0770 / www.balloonsandflowerstogo.com / balloonsandflowerstogo@yahoo.com

Photography: Meagan Mason Photography / www.myspace.com/megmasonphoto / MasonM620@gmail.com

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Beneath the twinkling holiday lights and the crisp December air, Adelie and Ben declared their vows.  With Ben’s family flying in from England for the occasion, the two decided on a sunset wedding two days before Christmas to be held at the festively decorated Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The palm trees were decked in strings of colored lights, but they did not compare to the radient Adelie as she made her way down the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.  Take a peek at these outstanding photos taken by Maria Angela Photography.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Ceremony Chairs and Arch: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Photography: Maria Angela Photography / 239.348.5065 / www.maria-angela.com / maria@maria-angela.com

Flowers: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

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You may recall earlier this year when we posted Rachel & Steve’s Save-the-Dates and Wedding Invitations.  The two tied the knot last month, and the photos are in.  They are every bit as vibrant as their printed materials promised.  The wedding was held on a perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee on the Historic Ford Property.  The details are spectacular – take a look:

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Eventz, Inc. / 239.415.2581 / www.eventzinc.com / sales@eventzinc.com

Photography: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Reception Location: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Invitations, Table Cards, Save-the-Dates: Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe / 321.251.5445 / www.mamas-sauce.com / nick@mamas-sauce.com

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