When Life Hands You Lemons…

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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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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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:

What could be more fun at a wedding reception than a photo booth?

What started off as a sweet slow dance to “Isn’t She Lovely” quickly morphed into a hilarious ensemble including “Walk Like An Egyptian” and “Cotton Eye Joe” (seen here).

Virginia and her dad secretly took dance lessons and performed a choreographed routine to a medley of various tunes.

Mason’s Bakery created a classic white wedding cake adorned with pink roses.

The reception was pretty in pink with orchids, roses, and hydrangea centerpieces topped with jewel draped branches. The brown chivari chairs donned pink sashes and the tables were named after Florida birds.

Virginia and Cameron were whisked away in a 1926 Model T getaway car.

Cameron sweeps Virginia off her feet in front of the Mysore Fig Tree on Henry Ford’s Riverside Lawn.

The Moonlight Garden is especially beautiful in March as the bougainvillea is in full bloom.

Taking advantage of the exotic and oh-so-photogenic trees that populate the Estates, the bridal party is artfully arranged in the Lofty Fig.

Cameron’s groomsmen looked especially dapper with their navy vests and baby blue ties. Their boutonnieres were white roses.

Virginia’s bridesmaids wore strapless knee length dresses in baby blue with ivory sashes. Their bouquets were bright pink and white roses.

Virginia and Cameron chose Edison’s Coconut Grove overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and Thomas Edison’s Pier for their ceremony location.

A throwback to the laid back lifestyle of the old south, the rings were carried in on bamboo cane fishing poles.

White hydrangeas and pink roses were tied to the chairs and the aisle was lined on either side with rose petals.

The pink and orange invitation suite featured tropical frangipani flowers.

It was hard to resist references to our winged friends when the couple’s last name is Byrd.

Virginia’s gifts to her bridesmaids included pink satin robes with the girls initials embroidered, matching flip flops, funky sunglasses, and pearl necklaces.

The girls had a great time goofing off while getting ready at Virginia’s parents’ home.

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):

The Bride, the Groom, the Maid of Honor, and the Best Man spell out LOVE in sparklers at the reception.

Before the end of the night, Geremy put on her Chuck Taylor’s and danced the night away with hubby, Troy at The Edison Restaurant.

The Groom’s cake was a silver and blue Harley Davidson gas tank.

This incredible black and white wedding cake was created by Vicki’s Sweet Things. Also, note the rhinestone encrusted servingware!

Fitting the black and white theme of the wedding, the couple gave favors of snow caps in little clear jelly jars.

The centerpieces on the reception tables were simple but elegant arrangements of white and purple flowers on a black and white linen surrounded by votive candles.

The Mysore Fig Tree is full of magic and wonder!

This photo really shows off the tropical paradise that is the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Jamie Lee Photography did a spectacular job catching the sunlight in these photos.

The sun sets on the Caloosahatchee River as Geremy & Troy enjoy the view from Edison’s porch.

The moonlight garden is too romantic to miss a photo opp!

Geremy & Troy take some time to enjoy the blooming bougainvillea in the Moonlight Garden.

The bridesmaids got their chance to tease Troy. It takes a lot of trust to let six women carry you!

Before the ceremony, Geremy & Troy wrote letters describing all the things they love about each other. During their wedding, officiant David Thompson of BareFoot We Wed, had them place their letters into a small box containing a single bottle of wine. “Keep this bottle in plain sight in your home. Should your marriage ever hit a rough spot, before you make any rash decisions, open the bottle of wine, pour each other a glass, and read your letters,” he said. This wine ceremony had everyone tearing up!

This was such a fun group of people! The groomsmen couldn’t resist the urge to joke about the cathedral length veil Geremy wore.

The leaves were just beginning to sprout on the great Mysore Fig Tree on Ford’s Riverside Lawn. The light peering through the branches set the romantic ambience of the event.

Whimsical tunes from the Hammered Dulcimer and Flute filled the air at this unique ceremony.

Signature Florals designed these beautiful flower “nests” that hung so beautifully from shepards hooks down the aisle.

Each of the groomsmen (and even the ringbearer) wore Converse Chuck Taylors as part of their wedding day attire.

Geremy’s junior bridesmaid wore a sweet white corsage and her flower girl carried an adorable white flower ball.

The six bridesmaids all wore knee length black dresses in different styles and carried simple white bouquets.

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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Lovebirds: The Wedding of Rachel & Steve

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:

You know your wedding reception is a hit when there are this many guests on the dance floor.

Rachel & Steve enjoyed their first dance as a married couple under colorful paper lanterns at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

The wedding cake from Mason’s Bakery was as colorful as every other detail. The topper is the chinese symbol for double happiness.

Rachel & Steve had caramel apples as wedding favors and escort cards.

The Eventz, Inc. centerpieces on the reception tables carried the colorful theme through the reception. Also pictured are the matching love bird table cards printed and designed by Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe.

Another peek at the invitations from Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe that set the theme of the wedding.

Sunsets on the Caloosahatchee River are unmatched. Here the newlyweds take it in from the pier at the Royal Palm Yacht Club. In the background is the sillhouette of the Edison Pier.

Jamie from Jamie Lee Photography has a great talent for catching the sunlight at just the right angle to produce images as breathtaking as this one of Rachel & Steve under the canopy of the Banyan Tree.

Rachel & Steve each wrote their own emotional vows to one another.

Color was everywhere in sight during this perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee.

The incredible Royal Palm Allee stretches from the back porch of the Ford House to the Caloosahatchee River, making the perfect wedding aisle.

Rachel’s veil blows in the wind as she is escorted down the aisle by her father.

Rachel & Steve are perched (like birds) atop the winding roots of the Mysore Fig at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel shows off her sassy red shoes hidden beneath her beautiful wedding gown.

Steve steals a kiss as Rachel’s veil blows romantically in the breeze.

The bridal party was dressed in purple bridesmaid dresses, and purple striped groomsmen ties. Here they pose for a group photo in the bamboo at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel’s bouquet was loaded with brightly colored tropical flowers.

Steve’s boutonniere was a bright green orchid paired with a white tie.

The groomsmen donned purple striped ties, and double yellow orchid boutonnieres.

Rachel & Steve get a private moment to see each other before the wedding.

Rachel & Steve decided to take all their photos before the ceremony, but they didn’t want to miss that magic moment where they see each other for the first time. So we gave them the opportunity to have that moment alone in the Moonlight Garden at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Just as The Beatles on the cover of Abbey Road, the groomsmen strolled across McGregor Boulevard. In true John Lennon fashion, the groom took off his shoes.

Six groomsmen pose asa symbol of support behind Steve under the largest Banyan Tree in the continental United States.

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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Romance in the Moonlight Garden: Joanna & Roger

Joanna & Roger, from Punta Gorda, said “I do” this June in Mina’s Moonlight Garden at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 

The ceremony was very intimate with only immediate family and very close friends in attendance.  Bamboo chairs were rented from Creative Events & Rentals.

The Mother of the Groom designed the bouquets and the boutonnieres from flowers in her personal garden.  The tropical flowers truly matched the aesthetics of the Estates.

 

Joanna and Roger wrote their own heartfelt vows and had everyone on the verge of tears.

The ring bearer carried a silver dish, a family heirloom, with the wedding bands.

After their short ceremony, the couple invited their guests inside Edison’s Caretaker’s House for a slice of red velvet cake from Publix.  The cake was decorated with frangipani flowers from Roger’s mother’s garden.

 

While their guests enjoyed cake and socializing, Joanna and Roger hopped on our golf cart to take photos in the gardens.  Below are just some of the beautiful images captured by Jamie Lee Photography.

Congratulations to Joanna and Roger on their marriage and their new home!

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

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