Archive for the ‘Favorites’Category

Unique Weddings in Florida: Casa Feliz, Winter Park

Casa Feliz is one of the most incredibly lovely and unique venues in Central Florida. Located in historic Winter Park at the north end of Park Avenue, set as if it were a jewel in a crown.

Casa Feliz | photo: Art Faulkner Casa Feliz, or “Happy House” in Spanish, is the signature residential work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. Built in 1933 for inventor and manufacturer Robert Bruce Barbour, Casa Feliz was recognized for its importance as an outstanding example of Spanish Eclectic style architecture and as the preeminent residential design executed by Rogers. Casa Feliz was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 2008. (more details here)

I have been fortunate to work at Casa Feliz on many occasions:  Weddings, destination weddings, rehearsal dinners, meetings – you name it! – and it’s always a joy to be there!  Everyone who visits Casa Feliz is touched by the charm of the warm wood and cozy interior spaces boasting french doors that open to bright and colorful courtyards.  It’s perfect for events with a guestlist of about 100 or less. The space is extremely flexible but somewhat nontraditional since it is comprised of several connecting rooms.

Casa Feliz couple

Casa Feliz with lighting by Junction 88

Sparkler exit at Casa Feliz | studio blu

One of the standout benefits to having a wedding or special event at Casa Feliz is the variety of photo ops!  Indoors, outdoors, architectural details – such as a curved staircase, balconies, archways, french doors, courtyards, windows – and lots of interesting textures and finishes (brick, wood, tile, etc).   It’s a photographer’s dream!

At this writing, Arthur’s Catering is the exclusive caterer.  Arthur’s is amazing and I’ve worked with them on numerous occasions; twice events which I had planned and they catered were nominated for awards!  Over the years I have developed a very good relationship with their team and I especially enjoy any opportunity to work with Melissa at Casa Feliz because she is so wonderfully detail oriented.

As a destination, Winter Park has a lot to offer visitors and out-of-town guests: first class dining, boutique shopping, sidewalk cafes, museums, boat tours, and tree lined streets that are perfect for walking, jogging and biking.  Known as the City of Culture and Heritage, Winter Park is a mecca for those interested in world-class art and rich cultural experiences. (more details here) Casa Feliz 656 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL

Casa Feliz_A Flair for Affairs

A Flair for Affairs highly recommends Casa Feliz.  If you are interested in planning a wedding at Casa Feliz, or anywhere in Winter Park, please call us!  We are one of their ‘preferred professionals’, and we’re eager to assist you with all the arrangements and make your planning experience both enjoyable and worry free.  We also provide coordination services for the wedding rehearsal and wedding day.

A Flair for Affairs :: 407-896-1476

 

 

25

02 2012

Wedding Photo Tips | A Few Faves

In my next life I think I will come back as a wedding photographer. It would be nice; people have suggested it to me and I might actually have what it takes… Especially when it comes to identifying – or even helping to create – the moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.

There’s no debating that we live in a DIY world: Technology has made many things possible. It seems that everything is readily available, more affordable, and of comparable quality. This is somewhat true. Nevertheless, I must point out that: 1) knowledge and experience remain indispensable, and 2) you get what you pay for.
wedding photo disk image

What to do with that wedding disc:

Many couples opt to receive a disk – typically a DVD – in lieu of a traditional wedding album. Now what? For those content to view the images on your computers or television screens, this tip is not for you. However, if you’re traditional and appreciate the nostalgic aspect of wedding portraiture you will be interested to in this pro tip – courtesy of Reed Photo:

Print on quality photographic paper.
“This means professional paper. Not the over contrasty, over saturated non- neutral stuff you get from drug stores, discount marts, warehouse/membership stores. This means use a good pro lab. Not Costco, not Wal Mart, not Walgreens, not Drug Emporium, etc etc etc.

The papers you get from consumer mini-labs are purposely manufactured to NOT have accurate color. Yep, they make it screwy on purpose. You see, Joe Consumer likes prints with colors that aren’t real. They want more saturation and contrast for that extra snap. In most cases, their photos benefit from that assistance to help the snap-shot look a bit more appealing to the eye.

Professional paper is manufactured to very exacting standards to achieve neutral balance, neutral saturation and excellent skin tones. Pro papers will handle extra saturation if you really need it for your “look”, so add it if you wish, but at least you have the option. And get this, just by using pro papers, you get an additional stop of shadow detail! The missing shadow range in the consumer papers is another reason they look so “snappy”. A properly exposed, correctly white balanced image with great composition that is printed on professional photographic paper won’t need the false extra punch to look good.” –by John Harris, ReedPhoto.com

Timing is everything

Speaking from experience, you can never have too much time scheduled for wedding photos. Plan on extra time, and then add more. Why? Because you have no control over time. Anything can happen: Limo gets a flat, grandma and grandpa get lost, flower girl is crying, bridesmaid zipper fail, flowers arrive late, unexpected rain – are you starting to get the picture? The trick to this timing thing is adding (using) the extra time in a way where your guests won’t be affected.

I found a great blog post written by Traci Turchin describing a variety of wedding photography timelines – including modern and traditional scenarios.

The Reveal (aka First Look)

I love this one! Many of our couples have done this and all have been thrilled with the outcome! A number of them even commented that it’s a tension reliever. One of the benefits I like most is that it makes for amazingly unscripted candid shots. From the perspective of the couple it is especially romantic, and they can be more intimate and relaxed since they are not surrounded by dozens of guests. This is how we typically stage it: We lead the groom to a place that is semi private, and he is turned away from the direction of the bride’s entrance. The bride walks toward the groom, and taps him on the shoulder to signal him to turn around and face. (sigh!) It’s so cool to watch this special moment unfold! Sure, it’s a break from tradition but wedding photography has evolved so much in the 20 – 50 plus years since your parents and grandparents were married.

Ultimately, the choice is yours so discuss the pros and cons ahead of time. I sincerely believe that you should be open to any approach that reduces pressure or stress on the wedding day. In my experience, the private reveal / first look works particularly well if the wedding and reception are at the same location – such as a hotel, B&B or country club. It is most definitely (in my Martha Stewart voice) “a good thing”.

© 2011 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

26

11 2011

Mexican Destination Wedding in Orlando

Photos from Holly & Jesus’  wedding at Isleworth Country Club – February 2011.

Orlando-based newlyweds Holly and Jesus tied the knot at Isleworth Country Club in February. Their memorable celebration included many festive Mexican and Latin touches, designed to give their families and friends the feeling of an authentic fiesta.

colorful mexican-themed wedding at Isleworth Club

An array of Mexican and Latin touches made this celebration memorable…

Their wedding began with an outdoor ceremony, followed by a delightful cocktail reception where guests enjoyed Sangria and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Then, guests entered the ballroom to the music of a Spanish guitar, and were seated at tables named for Mexican cities.

isleworth wedding

isleworth country club out door wedding

isleworth wedding flamenco dancers

Live entertainment included flamenco guitar music and dancers. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal plus a themed dessert bar featuring churros and tres leches, and everyone danced and partied into the night with music by Solis Productions.

isleworth wedding couple - a flair for affairs

bubble exit at isleworth club wedding orlando

Cake by Isleworth Country Club
Floral and bouquets by Distinctive Creations by Cheryl
Invitations and Programs by A Flair for Affairs

09

06 2011

What’s new? Check out our promo video!

This short video is just in time for engagement season! Not only are we looking forward to sharing these stunning images from real weddings with potential clients, we are excited about the message: A wedding is not only a once in a lifetime event, it’s a big investment! Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the credentials of the person or company you are trusting to fulfill your expectations and manage what oftentimes becomes an overwhelming amount of details.

In the video we touch on these four very important questions:

  • How much are you investing in your wedding?
  • How important is it to you to protect that investment?
  • How relevant is experience?
  • Do you want an expert wedding professional overseeing everything on your behalf?

 

We hope you enjoy the video!

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