Their Wedding Their Way: Amber & Kyle | Outdoor Florida Wedding Venue

Fort Myers natives, Amber & Kyle, wanted their wedding to be a reflection of themselves, and that’s exactly what they got.  Last weekend, they were married in the Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the event was anything but ordinary.  Matt Steeves blew us away with these incredible photographs.

Amber got ready at her sister’s house.

Our bride waited anxiously for her groom in Edison’s Caretaker’s House.

Before the wedding, Amber and Kyle had a private “first glimpse” of one another in Mina’s Moonlight Garden.

Amber, with her three bridesmaids and two junior bridesmaids, posed for a photo in front of the pergola that bridges Edison’s main house and guest house.

We LOVE this photo with the entire bridal party squeezing in. We especially love the ‘groomsmaid’ on the far right!

One of the romantic touches of their ceremony was when Kyle walked back down the aisle to meet Amber and walk her the rest of the way.

A twist on the wine ceremony – Patron ceremony! After reading the vows they wrote to one another, Amber & Kyle sealed them & placed them into a box of Patron Tequila. The officiant said, “If you ever find your marriage is facing hard times, do the following: open this box, read your vows, and take a shot. If you haven’t opened it by your fifth anniversary, open it to celebrate!”

Once the photos were finished, our couple toasted one another and invited their guests to watch the sunset on the Ford Riverside Lawn before heading over to the reception.

The ‘icing on the cake’ was really the custom made clay cake topper depicting the couple and their three dogs.

The reception was held at the Edison Restaurant’s back patio and bar and more closely resembled the best party ever than a wedding reception.  There were no formal seating arrangements, no sit-down dinner.   Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served, including hand-passed corndogs and hamburger sliders.  Amber & Kyle shared their first dance on the golf course green (Amber was barefoot).  At one point, I heard Amber shouting, “Best wedding EVER!”  I’m not sure there could have been a wedding more perfectly suited for these two. 

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

Wedding Photography: Matt Steeves Photography / 239.246.1707 / www.mattsteeves.com / mattsteeves@me.com

Wedding Flowers: Fort Myers Florist / 239.931.0506

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Fort Myers Wedding Venue | Riverside Romance: Nika & Scott | Waterfront Florida Weddings

Nika and Scott got married at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  in Fort Myers Florida in December of 2008, but the ceremony was too beautiful not to share.  With a ceremony so late in the year, the temperature was comfortable and the light was heavenly. 

Nika and Scott’s wedding incorporated two religions, Christianity and Baha’i, making this a unique and personal experience for both of them.  The photos below were taken by Images Wedding Photography.

Click photos to enlarge:

The white buttercream wedding cake rested upon a silver pedastool on a table of flowers and rose petals.

Nika & Scott’s reception was held at the newly remodeled Royal Palm Yacht Club. Guests dined at long family style tables.

There was just enough of a breeze to catch Nika’s veil on this beautiful December evening.

No wedding is complete at the Estates without the Moonlight Garden photo.

The wedding party had two flower girls, both decked out in white satin with precious pink rosettes.

The wedding aisle was adorned with gauzy lavendar fabric and lush arrangements of roses and orchids.

With a mulit-faith ceremony, programs allowed guests to follow along.

Nika and Scott married on the riverside lawn of Henry Ford just behind the majestic Mysore Fig Tree.

Nika carried a cascading bouquet of pink roses and white orchids.

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

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

Wedding Flowers: Planned Perfection / 239.939.7765 / www.plannedperfectioninc.com

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

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

Wedding Cake: Publix Bakery / www.publix.com

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In Fine Feather: Sara & Steven’s Peacock Wedding | Southwest Florida Wedding Location

After meeting fashion-forward hair stylist, Sara, I knew right away that her wedding would be fabulous!  With bright blues and golds on her wedding color palette and accents with regal peacock feathers, she certainly did not disappoint.  Sara and Steven were wed on a beautiful April evening at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  Jesse Netsch Photography captured the details.

Click photos to enlarge:

Several centerpieces were comprised of foam balls covered in peacock feathers paired with orchids.

After the ceremony, the bridesmaids bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, and peacock feathers doubled as reception centerpieces.

Each guest was given a single peacock feather as a momento. Feather’s doubled as table decor as they were tucked into gold satin napkins at the place settings.

The wedding cake was a classic white fondant with a monogramed cake topper and a single elegant feather.

I think many will agree that we get some of the most beautiful sunsets here in Southwest Florida.

The amber glow of the setting sun made everything feel romantic.

The bougainvillea in the Moonlight Garden was in full bloom this April.

The groomsmen nearly carry the beautiful bride away!

Rather than throw rice, guests were given paper cones filled with yellow rose petals to toss as the newlyweds made their getaway.

Sara & Steven tied the knot in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic riverfront property of Henry Ford.

Sara carried a classic white bouquet of calla lilies and hydrangeas.

The bride gazes out of her hotel window over downtown Fort Myers while also showing off the dramatic back of her wedding dress and her feather hair accessory.

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

Photography: Jesse Netsch Photography / 239.691.6719 / www.jessenetschphotography.com / jnetschphoto@hotmail.com

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

Wedding Cake:  Publix Bakery / www.publix.com

Table Linens:  Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.593.0389 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

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Tying In Your Wedding Flowers | Fort Myers Florists

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 invitations.  JH 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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Florida Wedding Venue | Two of a Kind: Ranee and Rene’s Wedding

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:

A wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is not complete without a photo in front of the famous Banyan Tree.

Before starting their new lives together, the happy couple take a moment in the Moonlight Garden to reflect on their history together.

Ranee and Rene in the vine covered pergola between Edison’s main house and guest house.

The newly weds share a kiss in Henry Ford’s living room.

The whole gang gathers on the steps of the Ford House.

Rene and his groomsmen find a comfortable place in the sprawling roots of the Mysore Fig Tree.

The bridesmaids wore stunning turquoise dresses with coral colored flowers in their hair.

The ceremony was held in the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.

Ranee looked stunning in her strapless wedding gown with turquoise sash.

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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Timeless Wedding at Historic Home: Haley & David

Haley and David made it official this December.  Their wedding ceremony took place in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic riverside property of Henry Ford at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  There were so many perfect little details that made this dream wedding a magical one.

The couple’s happiness is reflected in the pool at the Moonlight Garden.

A special moment is captured in the Model T’s side mirror.

The couple pose next to their getaway car.

The couple steal away in an authentic 1926 Model T.

The newlywed couple takes a minute to wave goodbye before taking off in their antique getaway.

David and Haley walk down the Royal Palm Allee, newly wed.

The couple chose a sand ceremony with purple & black sand to symbolize their union.

The brides bouquet of hydrangeas, roses, and calla lilies was adorned with a long string of pearls.

The flower girl raced the bagpiper down the aisle!

Roses, lilies, and hydrangeas decorated the ceremony space.

Hydrangea balls on shepherds hooks decked the aisle between the palms in the Royal Palm Allee.

The groomsmen wore long coats and wide purple ties, reflecting the era of the historic Estates.

Bridesmaids wore beautiful, long purple gowns – each a little different than the other.

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

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

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

Flowers: Cape Coral Floral Design / 239.772.3377 / www.capeflorist.com / info@capeflorist.com

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

Music: Hugh the Bagpiper / 239.440.7257 / www.hughthebagpiper.com / info@hughthebagpiper.com

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Waterfront Wedding: Alexis and Justin

Alexis and Justin got married in March on Ford’s Riverside Lawn at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The riverside lawn is the perfect location for wedding décor as it is nearly a blank canvas.  Guests will pass the impressive Mysore Fig Tree as they step onto this lush green lawn positioned right on the Caloosahatchee River.  This lawn is so large that it is often the site for tented wedding receptions.  Take a peek at Alexis and Justin’s gorgeous wedding photos taken by Mielke Photography.

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

Photography: Mielke Photography / 239.415.3297 / www.mielkephotography.net / rosemarymielke@hotmail.com

Flowers: The Master’s Touch Florist / 888.726.4437 / www.themasterstouchflorist.com

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Modern Wedding in the Royal Palm Allee: Mandy and Chris

Last month, Mandy & Chris of Fort Myers got married in the Royal Palm Allee on the riverside of the Ford House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Mandy with her five flower girls walked down an aisle of 75′ royal palms.  Behind them was an arch of bamboo framing the Caloosahatchee River.   The light blue and brown theme was carried throughout the event with program fans and a unity sand ceremony.  Check out these spectacular photographs from Jamie Lee Photography (click to enlarge):

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

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

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

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Tropical Wedding in the Coconut Grove: Mary Lee & Larry

Mary Lee & Larry, a cheerful Chicago couple, said, “ I do” this October at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The ceremony took place in Edison’s tropical Coconut Grove on the Caloosahatchee River.  Click on the images to enlarge:

The ceremony took place late afternoon in Edison’s Coconut Grove under a tropical arbor decorated with roses, lilies, hydrangeas, and palms.

Mary Lee & Larry poured colored sand into a glass keepsake container to symbolize their union.

The ring bearer carried the wedding bands tied to ribbons in a large shell.

The wedding party poses for photos in the Mysore Fig Tree on the Ford Riverside Lawn.

Mary Lee & Larry share a moment in Mina Edison’s Moonlight Garden.

The newlyweds take in the beautiful sunset over the Caloosahatchee River with Edison’s Pier in the background.

The happy couple holds up a JUST MARRIED sign as they are delivered by Golf Cart to their reception at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

Sand dollars in a treasure chest act as escort cards.

Wedding guests sign names and well wishes on a matted photo of the couple.

The tropical seashell cake is accompanied at the reception by the unity sand.

No detail was overlooked, even the cake knives sported orchids.

The tables were named after islands in Southwest Florida.

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

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

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

All Flowers, Arbor, & Centerpieces: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

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

Table Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.784.9733 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

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

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Wedding Videos: Don’t say ‘Cut’

One of the most common mistakes I have seen brides make when budgeting their wedding is cutting out the wedding video.  Photographs alone do not capture the butterflies in your stomach, the emotions in your vows, or Uncle Charlie’s killer dance moves.  You have worked hard to make your wedding day perfect. The wedding video is your time machine to the best day of your life.   In years to come, you will be able to relive that first dance, your maid of honor’s toast, and listen to the well-wishes of family members who have since passed away. 

I recently interviewed Don Moon of Captiva Video to get the scoop on wedding videos. Don filmed Holly and Dean’s wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates this spring and edited it especially for our blog.  Take a look:

What inspired you to get into videography?

I got into videography when my daughter was born in 1987.  Video cameras were just coming onto the scene and we bought one of the first ones out.  Because I had a camcorder before anyone else, friends and family asked me to videotape their weddings and parties.  I soon joined the Wedding and Event Videography Association (WEVA) and attended their convention every year to improve my skills.  This is my 15^th year videotaping weddings, and I have seen videography improve year after year.  The wedding videos of today are more like a movie.

What are some new trends you are seeing in wedding videos?

I have seen trends change from a no-effects documentary of the wedding to a special effects epic film.  The trend now is to use special effects only if they help tell the story. Some of the special effects that are popular right now include slow motion, black and white, shadow box (black border along the top and bottom of the frame), and soft focus (where the clip has a soft dreamy like effect).  Video clips that fly off the screen are out right now.  As far as music, sound tracks from hit movies are definitely in.  Whenever a new movie comes out with a great sound track, all the videographers incorporate that music into their production.

Tell me about the most interesting wedding you’ve filmed.

The most high end wedding I have videotaped so far was the wedding of Vidal Sassoon’s son, David.  It was held in Connecticut a few years back.  It was a very extravagant affair.

What advice do you have for brides when hiring a videographer?

My advice is to make sure he/she is a professional.  So many videographers work another job and videotape weddings on the side.  Make sure that the videographer is a member of at least one trade organization.  I belong to Wedding and Event Videography Association (WEVA), National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP), and Wedding and Party Professionals of Naples (WPPN).  The main quality a bride should be looking for is the ability to unobtrusively capture the day without infringing on it.  The videographer must have the equipment to bring the images to life in vivid color.  A good wireless microphone system is very important as good audio is the key to a well produced video.

What can one expect to pay for videography services?

My prices range from $595 to $3595.  We have packages to meet any budget.

What other services do you offer? 

I offer photo montages or slideshows that the couple can play at their reception.  They are always the hit of the party and can arouse quite a bit of emotion.  The person organizing the photo montage must number the photos in the order they would like them to appear in the slideshow. They also choose the music; typically 1 song per 25 photos.

Don Moon / Captiva Video / 239.466.8010 / www.captivavideo.com / don@captivavideo.com

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