Dinner for Two: Mara & Scott’s Wedding | Fort Myers Wedding Venue

Mara & Scott met 11 years ago in the Army at Fort Riley,Kansas, where Mara was a MEDEVAC Blackhawk Helicopter Crewchief and Scott was a pilot. Back then, they were strictly friends.

After the Army, they still managed to keep in touch as life took them on different paths.  When business brought Scott toFlorida last February, he caught up with his old friend Mara.

Mara & Scott had a ‘first glimpse” of each other before the wedding which allowed them to take lots of photos early.

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Wedding on the Water: Melissa & Richard | Fort Myers Wedding Venue

Melissa and Richard knew they wanted a waterfront wedding in Fort Myers. They found the ideal wedding venue at the Coconut Grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates next door to the Royal Palm Yacht Club, their chosen reception venue. Jesse Netsch Photography photographed this picture perfect ceremony on the historic grounds.

Click on images to enlarge:

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

Reception Venue: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com

Wedding Photographer: Jesse Netsch Photography /239.691.6719 / www.jessenetschphotography.com

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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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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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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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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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Charles Edison and Carolyn Hawkins Wedding at the Edison Winter Home in 1918

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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Winter Wedding: Adelie and Ben

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.

The newlyweds stopped to take a photo with Fort Myers’ most beloved sweethearts, Thomas and Mina Edison.

Though the Estates are beginning to bustle with nighttime tours, nothing can break the lovespell in the Moonlight Garden.

Ben and Adelie take a moment to enjoy the spectacular sunset at Mr. Edison’s Pier on the Caloosahatchee River.

The lovebirds find themselves entangled in the roots of the majestic Mysore Fig Tree.

With the Estates already decorated for Holiday Nights, there was little else to do but enjoy.

Adelie can barely contain her excitement as she and Ben are officially announced husband and wife!

Adelie’s brides maids wore long navy satin gowns and carried simple bouquets of hydrangea.

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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