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Yes, Gainesville, Florida certainly is a small town with a rather large Football problem, and make no mistake, that's how we love it! (Go Gators!!!) However, if necessity or choice dictates that you plan your wedding to be during this 4 month long city holiday, you'll need some pointers to help you survive with all your wedding awesomeness in tact. image by Russell Martin Photography First: Check the Football Schedule , then Weigh the Pro's and Con's of picking a Home Game for your wedding date Pro's: Many alumni who may also be getting married, often prefer to be in the heart of the Swamp for home games, so you'll have an easier time booking vendors, getting the venue you want (as long as it's not on campus) and the roads will be completely clear during game time. Con's: For home games, the population of our town literally triples. This means that hotels from Ocala to Lake-City sellout and double or triple their prices. This will be a concern for you...

Football season's right around the corner (yay!!) and if you're getting married in the Fall in Gainesville, you're going to check the Gator's Football schedule! It's a given - the busiest day of the Fall wedding season is always the Gator's Bye-Week! Sometimes you can't get around it though... If you're getting married on a big game day, why not consider having something like this?! via StyleMePretty Even though we definitely don't like the score on this particular one, we love the idea! To keep guests off of their phones or hounding the DJ, have someone carry around a chalkboard with the updated score of the game. If you don't have someone to carry it around, you could put a chalkboard sign up on the DJ's table for people to check.  What do you think? Would you and your football fan fiancé love this scoreboard at your wedding? Oh - and GO GATORS!! :)

My favorite weddings are the ones that incorporate special touches about the couple and what makes their love story unique. I love it when guests get to learn more about the bride & groom! Whether it's as simple as some childhood pictures, a sign with their love story, or table names with meaningful things on them, all of these details make the day that much more intimate. I saw this and thought it was a really neat way to add that personal touch every wedding needs! via Bridal Musings This couple used a city map as their seating chart for guests! Each table was named after a different location in Paris and guests found their names and found their seats. You could use your home town, the city you met, where you got engaged....the possibilities abound! Speaking from my Gator side - I think doing this with a map of the University of Florida campus would be Gatortastic! You could use your dorms, classes you had together, special campus landmarks...fun, right? (Obviously I'm bi...

I just can't get the cake from Wednesday's Starry Night Inspiration Board out of my mind! It's one of those images I've had pinned forever on my Pinterest Board and just pause and smile at it every time I scroll past. So, for anyone who wanted a closer look: Starry Night Cake via Style Me Pretty Isn't it gorgeous how the cake designer mimicked the brush strokes from the painting? And, I adore the use of the suitcase instead of a traditional cake stand! This would be a stunning cake even without the attached Starry Night theme. Check out how they used the color palate in their photo shoot: Tablescape via Style Me Pretty  The colored glass and deep blue rim on the plates is just fabulous! What do you think? Are you "starry-eyed" over this too? :) Happy Friday everyone!

Welcome bags are customary for greeting out of town guests when they arrive for your big celebration, and there's so much fun to be had with them beyond the typical water bottles, snacks, and an itinerary for the weekend. You can include bits of information about the place you are getting married, or add treats that are themed to your wedding. Check out these cute ideas we found! Oranges Welcome Bag via Martha Stewart This bride and groom hand picked Florida oranges before their wedding and added that special treat to their guests' welcome bags. Tanning Welcome Bag via Martha Stewart This bride and groom made sure all of their guests were ready for fun in the sun on their destination beach wedding by added a beach towel and sunscreen to the bags. One of our couples here in Gainesville, Florida are adding local made chocolates and a personalized map with their favorite places in town for their guests. We love these ideas! What would you add to your welcome bags? Would you theme ...

I promised they were coming and here they are! Check out the amazing images by Russell Martin Photography from Dena and Andy's Gator Tailgate Wedding extravaganza! Russell's pictures completely capture how much fun the day was. I couldn't pick my favorites - there were just too many great pictures and fun details to share with you all. Take a look! Dena got ready in a gorgeous motor home from Luxury Motor Home Rentals right at the Vet School where their tailgate reception would be. Kick-off was at 12:20, so that meant an early ceremony and start time for everyone! Their first look was out at Paynes Prairie before guests arrived. It couldn't have been more beautiful with all the trees and fantastic morning light. Dena and her family made all the wooden details you see in the pictures, from the "Wedding" signs to the little Gators for their centerpieces! Dena collected all kinds of Florida Gator goodies for a Fan Station for guests. They wanted to make sure eve...

When you think of tropical flowers and sunshine and sand, Birds of Paradise probably come to mind. But have you ever thought about using them in your wedding?  Check out these gorgeous images from  Alexan Events  that I'm sure will convince you: Bird of Paradise Boutonniere via  Alexan Events How elegant is that boutonniere?! Loving these bouquets too! Bird of Paradise Bouquets via  Alexan Events They are so sleek and modern but still have an air of romance perfect for a wedding.  This last shot is just as beautiful for incorporating Birds of Paradise into the reception: Bird of Paradise Centerpieces via  Alexan Events I just love how different they are and how colorful! Would you use them as your signature flower?