Christopher Long: HERE COMES THE BRIDE: (Pt. VIII)

Mr. and Mrs. Munsey — February 16, 2013
(Photo courtesy of Jenee' Michelle Photography)

_______________________

Although I've not

posted a new

Here Comes the Bride installment in quite

a while, I recently was involved with one

particular celebration

that inspired me to jumpstart the series.

_______________________

Where else but in Florida can a bride and groom schedule a wedding for the middle of February and experience near picture perfect weather conditions? Well, that's how it played out for Margaret and Bill Munsey. Although Friday, February 15, 2013 brought torrential downpours to Florida's Space Coast and Sunday, February 17th ushered in some of the coldest temperatures of the season, the weather on Saturday, February 16th, was pretty darn fantastic — 76 º and sunny skies with a slight breeze.

I felt compelled to share a few details of Margaret and Bill's big day with readers because it so perfectly exemplified how a wedding reception should play out when you make the right choices.

The soon-to-be newlyweds very wisely planned for their ceremony and reception to happen indoors. If the weather cooperated, which it did, there would be plenty of opportunity to get oodles of fabulous outdoor shots following the nuptials, which they did.

The Munsey's picture perfect day! (Jenee' Michelle Photography)

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Although anything can happen (and it's wise to prepare yourself for a hefty glitch or two), your wedding-related anxieties can be greatly minimized simply by:

A) Remaining calm at ALL times.

B) Making smart, realistic choices.

C) Keeping the gig indoors (or have an easily implemented back-up plan).

D) Involving only experienced professionals.

E) Remaining calm at ALL times.

I can't confirm A) or E), but I do know that Margaret and Bill perfectly nailed B), C) and D). From locations to time coordinates, they made smart, realistic choices and as I mentioned, they kept it all indoors. But they also had the good sense to hire some incredibly talented professionals to help make it all come together.

I've often referred to the cake as the "crowning jewel" of any wedding celebration. And throughout my thirty-year career in the bridal industry, I've seen countless gems. I've also witnessed a few cake-related disasters — all of which could easily have been avoided had a proper professional been hired. In this regard, Margaret and Bill weren't taking any chances and they hired one of the area's best — Carlia Alderman from Carlia's Cakery. Carlia's unique carrot cake was adorned meticulously with amazing handmade calla lilies — making for a creation that was (almost) too beautiful for the bride and groom to slice. But I'm sure glad that they did because it was as delicious-tasting as it was fabulous-looking.

However, the Munseys really managed to impress even a longtime wedding pro like myself by serving sushi for the evening meal. Heck yeah, man — SUSHI! From various types of rolls with an assortment of sauces to an array of delightful nigiri choices, this buffet was the hippest (and tastiest) reception spread that I've ever experienced. Kudos to master chefs Carla Thompson, Silvio Marino and their cracker jack staff for a job well done!

And then there's the true unsung hero of the reception scene — the photographer. I've worked with many impressive photographers over the years, but this was my first experience working with Jenee' Michelle from Jenee' Michelle Photography and she quickly became one of my all-time favorites. Prompt, personable and professional — I look forward to working with Jenee' again in the (very) near future.

As for the reception itself — holy cow, what a blast! The bride, the groom and the bridal party all looked as stunning as any I've ever seen. The first dance was a bona fide tear-jerker and the toasts from the Matron of Honor and Best Man both were personal and engaging. The guests in attendance made up a lively group who were all too ready to "raise the roof" as they danced (and danced) to high energy favorites ranging from current chart-busters to retro classics. It truly was a night to remember, indeed.

-Christopher Long

(February 2013)

OTHER HERE COMES THE BRIDE INSTALLMENTS: