Ophelia's on the Bay Sunday Brunch

What a wonderful experience today to dine at Ophelia's on the Bay on Siesta Key.  We were first greeted with a hearty welcome by the valet and then by the congenial hostess.  We sat at one of the many windows overlooking the garden and the bay.  Our waiter was Csaba Kepeca, a familiar and friendly face.  Csaba works at the wonderful weddings held at Ophelia's and always makes sure everything is perfect.  I have performed many ceremonies in the garden under the cupola, just like this one...

My first recommendation:  Run - don't walk - to Ophelia's Sunday Brunch.  All dishes were the highest quality and prepared with care.  From the apple-filled crepes to the seafood lasagne to the crab legs and chowder (and more!), we enjoyed every morsel.  We each enjoyed a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary.  And the pastry table was over the top!  Homemade tiramisu was my favorite.  No matter what you find on any given Sunday, it will please you.

My second recommendation:  Consider having your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, birthday party, baptism or baby blessing, anniversary celebration or any other special occasion at Ophelia's.  Jane and Stanley Ferro are the proprietors, and they will make sure that your visit is delicious and fun.

My third recommendation:  Check out Ophelia's Catering.  It seems to be a well-kept secret, and now it's time to get the word out. The menu is extensive, and they can customize it to fit any occasion and budget.

If I can help you find a venue - or any other wedding professional - that will suit your tastes and budget, let me know.  In my fifteen years of living in Sarsota and twelve years of performing wedding ceremonies, I have seen the good, the bad and ugly.  My experience can help you avoid costly and disappointing mistakes.

Christmas Sunrise Ceremony

It was a beautiful morning on Siesta Key Beach today when Susan and Daniel exchanged vows and became husband and wife.  I had the honor of sharing their Special Day with them. I think you can see we had a great time.

Beautiful Photos at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Wedding

Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos, Horatio!  No wonder so many couples put you at the top of their wish list when choosing their photographer.  StudioFour's blog is http://www.studiofourblog.com/  Check it out!  You can be confident that you will have artistic, unique and beautiful photographic memories of your Special Day.  This is why it is so important to find a professional who is capable, easy to work with and lets you enjoy every aspect of your day.  And thank you Christine and Matthew for having fun with me on your Wedding Day.  http://www.studiofourphotography.com/  For more photos, ceremony ideas and lots of info on my website, go to http://www.sarasotadreamweddings.com/

Bridal Bargains Galore!

Attention Brides - Want to find some bridal bargains on everything from your designer dress to favors and invitations?  Here are two places to buy and sell items that just may save you time and money:  http://www.bravobride.com/ and http://www.recycledbride.com/.  Happy shopping!

A little wedding humor

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?'  The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'  The child thought about this for a moment and then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'

I got a chuckle out of this, and then began wondering why so many Mothers wear black to the wedding?  Do they know something?  I have met many Mothers (and Fathers) over the twelve years I have been performing wedding ceremonies.  They mostly keep their comments to themselves, but some can be quite vocal.  That is the value of having a trusted professional conduct your rehearsal and ceremony.  We are used to handling "problem" guests and commanding respect for the Couple and their Special Day.

I have had to deal with bridal parties who celebrated too much at the rehearsal dinner the night before, flowergirls and ringbearers who refuse to walk down the aisle, parents and stepparents who don't want to be in the same room with each other, florists who don't show up, inclement weather, forgotten rings, and MUCH, MUCH more...and all with a smile on my face.  It's grace under fire!  Every situation was resolved diplomatically.  After all, the show must go on!

Welcome to our blog!

We look forward to keeping you updated on our most recent weddings, discoveries of new and different ways to celebrate your love on your Wedding Day, and how we can help make your Wedding Day dreams come true.
Our most recent "fun" wedding was at the Lowry Park Zoo where I performed the very first wedding ceremony inside the Aviary.  We were perched on a covered platform overlooking the habitat and listeing to a little squawking and chirping while the vows were being said and a handfasting was performed. We finished just before sunset so that the bats would not be active! There are many weddings conducted at the zoo.  They even have a beautiful room for your reception...check it out http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/.
When pictures are available, we will post them.