THE
BRIDAL BOOK 1
THE BRIDAL BOOK
2
THE BRIDAL BOOK
850.841.7663
ď Ź
vocellesbridal.com 1301 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL By Appointment
Photos by: Carla Gates Photography
At Vocelles Bridal, you’ll find the big-city bridal shopping experience paired with approachable price points and southern hospitality. Vocelles Bridal is the fashion destination for brides in North Florida and South Georgia, and we cannot wait to make you a #VocellesBride.
on the cover Vocelles Bridal Bride: Victoria Photographer: Woodland Fields Photography
the book Editor-in-Chief: Kristen Barstow Layout & Design: Julia Holly | JH Creative The Bridal Book is published annually
by
Vocelles
LLC.
All contents copyright 2019 Vocelles this
LLC.
No
publication
reproduced
in
part may
of be
any
form
without written permission from the publisher. The opinions and views expressed by our writers and
editors
are
their
own
and other professionals may express
differing
views.
The
information in this publication has
been
thoroughly
researched, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. We reserve
the
right
to
refuse
advertising. All advertisements are accepted and published with
the
the
advertiser
representation that
are
authorized
to
the
advertisement’s
by they
publish entire
contents. Vocelles LLC is not responsible for any statements, claims
or
representations
made by contributing wedding professionals,
advertisers
or
others, nor is Vocelles LLC responsible
for
anyone’s
reliance on the content herein.
The Vocelles Experience . . . . 10
Real Vocelles Weddings . . . . 30
Pretty Little Details . . . . 57
8
Full Service Event Planning & Production Event Design • Furniture and Decor Rentals Be inspired at JohnGandyEvents.com THE BRIDAL BOOK
850.570.5999
the Vocelles
EXPERIENCE
10
THE BRIDAL BOOK
At Vocelles Bridal, we create a true experience for our brides. The Vocelles Experience is filled with touches of laid-back luxury. Crystal chandeliers and sparkling champagne, paired with the most beautiful dresses and true southern hospitality.
11
Our professional stylists find their greatest joy in creating a memorable day for our brides and those they are closest with. We can’t wait to meet you and help you find “THE ONE”.
THE BRIDAL BOOK
12
THE VOCELLES EXPERIENCE IS
personal
.
You will have your own stylist during your appointment, and she will get to know you and understand your vision before beginning to select dresses for you to try on. This is your day, and our stylists are passionate about making sure they ďŹ nd the perfect dress for you.
THE BRIDAL BOOK
THE VOCELLES EXPERIENCE IS
professional.
Our team has a combined 15 years of experience styling brides. This is what we love to do, the experts in bridal fashion. We work with the most trusted names in the industry to bring hand-selected collection of wedding dresses that are unmatched in quality and style. From walk through our door, to the moment you walk down the aisle, our team of professionals
and we are truly you an extensive, the moment you is there for you.
13
THE BRIDAL BOOK
14
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“THE STAFF AT VOCELLES
and their selection of dresses exceeded my expectations. I am plus sized, and when I scheduled my appointment they assured me that they had larger sizes. They didn’t disappoint! I was so relieved to find my dress in less than two hours.” – ANGELA, VOCELLES BRIDE
THE VOCELLES EXPERIENCE IS
fun.
We want our brides (and their entourage) to relax and have fun while shopping. You’ll be offered a glass of white wine to sip on during your appointment, and when you say YES to your dress, we’ll pop the champagne and cheers to you!
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“THEY WERE SO ATTENTIVE 16
to my daughter and really took into consideration what she wanted. Their prices were fantastic. We really enjoyed the experience. Well worth the 100 mile drive.” –ANNETTE, MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
THE BRIDAL BOOK
17
THE BRIDAL BOOK
Photos by Woodland Fields Photography
18
THE BRIDAL BOOK
19
Where Events Start and Futures Begin Heather Brown & Lindsey Spears - Venue Coordinators pearlinthewild@gmail.com 850.656.1322 pearlinthewild.com @pearlinthewild
THE BRIDAL BOOK
Photo by Woodland Fields Photography
Award-Winning Floral Design & Consultation
The Knot Magazine Hall of Fame (850) 228.0354 missygunnelsflowers.com
Owner & Event Planner: Kate Pararo | Couple’s Choice Award Winner (850) 294.5143 l apieceofcakeeventplanning.com
Experience the joy and none of the work with Tallahassee’s best vendors. Contact the Professionals tawp.org
Meet
Kristen
THE OWNER & CREATOR OF VOCELLES BRIDAL by Julia Holly Kristen created Vocelles | The Bridal Shoppe nearly a decade ago, after her own wedding dress shopping experience left much to be desired. She knew there was a better way to shop for a wedding dress, so she made it happen with the opening of Vocelles Bridal in 2009. Determined to create a beautiful space for the brides of North Florida and South Georgia where they can truly have it all, Kristen has always provided a shopping experience that was not only fun and beautiful, but one where the dresses are affordable and the customer service is second to none. I sat down with Kristen and asked her a few questions.
Q&A Q: You just moved into a
brand new building! Are you loving it? A:
I love the way our new store allows us to better serve our brides! Each bride has a more private and personal appointment area and very comfortable fitting rooms. Plus, the additional space allowed us to bring in new designers and increase our selection for brides wanting to spend $1,500 or less. We love our new home so much!
23 (now husband) and I were covering most of the costs of the wedding ourselves, and it was so stressful! My shopping experience was not fun at all. But all of that is what inspired me to create Vocelles, so your shopping experience can and will be fun and relaxing.
Q: What is important
for your brides to know about you? A:
I was in your shoes not all that long ago, so I get it. I was working a full time job, planning a wedding, and trying to make it all work financially. My fiancé
Q: What do you do
when you’re not at work? A:
I’m a mom to two little girls, ages 4 and 6. When I’m not at work, I’m soaking in every minute of mom life - running to ballet practice, doing homework, playing dress up and coloring pictures of their favorite princesses.
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“Your wedding day should be about telling the story as it occurred. Allowing the moments to happen naturally, the emotions to flow organically, and being there to document it. My job is to be your visual story-teller.”
- Catherine, Owner of Woodland Fields Photography
(850) 559.1095 . catherine@woodlandfieldsphotography.com woodlandfieldsphotography.com
Photo by Steve Corbett Photography
The Woman’s Club is a wedding venue like no other! Ample space, with beautiful interior accommodations in a historic, stylish building near Midtown Tallahassee located at 1513 Cristobal Drive, (Los Robles) Tallahassee, Florida. This magnificent and historical landmark venue is available for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, fund raisers, parties, meetings, and other special events. Bring in the caterer, bartender, event planner, photographer and other professionals of your choice to help and create your perfect occasion. For more information please call (850) 224-0825 or visit www.gfwcwomanscluboªallahassee.org
A Wedding Venue Like No Other! 1513 Cristobal Drive, Los Robles, Tallahassee, FL • 850.224.0825
Photo by Woodland Fields Photography
850. 228. 5040
DesignsByDarin@yahoo.com
DesignsByDarin. com
Darin Jones, Owner/Designer
Photo by Kylene & Ryan Studios
Exceeding Expectations One Event at a Time
CATERING
BAR
CateringCapers.com
RENTALS
850.385.5953
Your Event. . . Our Backdrop
Photo by Woodland Fields Photography
Pebble Hill Plantation Five Event Venues: Main Grounds, Uno Hill Barn, Sugar Hill Barn, Piney Grove Church, & Oak Post 1251 US Hwy 319 S Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 226.2344 www.pebblehill.com
Photo by Elizabeth Davis Photography
Styling Grooms and Groomsmen since 1950 Tuxedos Available for Rent or Purchase DOWNTOWN (850) 222.0687
THE GALLERY (850) 893.9599
NIC’S BIG & TALL (850) 385.6866
nicstoggery.com
Photo by Woodland Fields Photography
THE
BRIDE
Inspiration from real Vocelles brides. We love seeing the way each of our brides styles their weddings. It’s inspiring to see how every gown and all the little details come together to create wedding days as unique as each couple themselves. Keep reading to be inspired by some real life Vocelles brides who were recently in your shoes.
THE BRIDAL BOOK
CRYSTAL + JOE 32
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“TAKE TIME TO JUST BE HUSBAND & WIFE. Be sure to schedule a few moments
33
to yourselves to take it all in, those moments are irreplaceable. –CRYSTAL, VOCELLES BRIDE
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Woodland Fields Photography Venue: Tall Timbers
THE BRIDAL BOOK
DANIE + ROB 34
THE BRIDAL BOOK
35
THE BRIDAL BOOK
36
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Woodland Fields Photography Event Planner: John Gandy Events Venue: Goodwood Museum & Gardens Florist: Darin Jones Floral Designer
THE BRIDAL BOOK
37
THE BRIDAL BOOK
38
BRITTNEY + RICKY THE BRIDAL BOOK
“MY BIGGEST ADVICE TO COUPLES planning their wedding is to not get caught up in perfection. Aªer planning our wedding twice because of Hurricane Michael, I realized that the most important
39
part of the wedding is the celebration. You and your guests will remember how much fun the wedding was, not how perfectly your linens matched your invitations.” –BRITTNEY, VOCELLES BRIDE
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Jake & Katie Photography
THE BRIDAL BOOK
MERISHA + GARY 40
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US to bring our two families together to celebrate our union. The entire day was amazing, but my favorite part was walking into the ballroom and seeing all of our guests showing their love and support for us.” –MERISHA, VOCELLES BRIDE
41
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Brittany Morgan Photography Florist: Missy Gunnels Flowers
THE BRIDAL BOOK
JO + ROBBIE
42
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal | Photographer: Kylene & Ryan Studios | Event Planner: John Gandy Events Venue: Goodwood Museum & Gardens | Florist: Darin Jones Floral Designer
THE BRIDAL BOOK
“JO HAD A VERY UNIQUE VISION FOR HER FLORAL design. Aªer meeting and collaborating on the look and feel that best suited her and the venue, we designed this amazing blend
43
of rustic elegance and bohemian style. The wedding was just as unique as Jo and Robbie.” –DARIN JONES, DARIN JONES FLORAL DESIGNER
THE BRIDAL BOOK
44
ALISON + MATT THE BRIDAL BOOK
45
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Kylene & Ryan Studios Venue: Hotel Duval Florist: Missy Gunnels Flowers
THE BRIDAL BOOK
46
EBONY + RANELL THE BRIDAL BOOK
47
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Unashamed Imaging
THE BRIDAL BOOK
BRIDGET + CONNOR
49
WEDDING PROS
Bride’s Gown: Vocelles Bridal Photographer: Old Pine Pictorial Venue: Goodwood Museum & Gardens
THE BRIDAL BOOK
50
THE BRIDAL BOOK
51
THE BRIDAL BOOK
53
plus-size
PERFECTION Beauty does not have a size. At Vocelles Bridal, we celebrate and love all body shapes and sizes. We are so proud to bring the boutique bridal shopping experience to ALL brides. We have an extensive collection of plus size wedding dresses sampled in sizes 18 – 30, and we are always adding new styles to our selection of plus size gowns. Our team of stylists can’t wait to help you find the dress that flatters your body and highlights your curves perfectly. THE BRIDAL BOOK
(850) 841.7663
www.vocellesbridal.com . 1301 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL By Appointment
Photo by Brittany Morgan Photography
It takes two in marriage and in photography.
Documenting your wedding from a united point-of-view.
Inspired Wedding and Portrait Photography . Video Fusion www.KyleneandRyan.com
|
Kylene@KyleneandRyan.com
|
850.778.5197
Your Happier Ever Aªer…Our Pleasure www.fourpointstallahasseedowntown.com • (850) 422.4200 catering@fourpointstallahassee.com
PRETTY LI TTLE DE TAIL S
The Accessory Shoppe at Vocelles Bridal has 57
the perfect finishing touches for your wedding day look. Veils, jewelry and accessories galore.
Photos by Woodland Fields Photography THE BRIDAL BOOK
PLANNING CHECKLIST We’ve made it simple to make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. Simply follow the timing guidelines outlined here in our planning checklist to keep your to-do list manageable. Happy Planning!
Sixteen to Nine Months Before START A WEDDING FOLDER OR BINDER
Begin looking at magazines, bridal blogs and websites to get inspiration. Add photos of things you love to your bridal folder. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
Talk to your family and fiancé and get everyone on the same page. Determine how much you have to spend based on everyone’s contributions. SELECT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
As soon as you are engaged, friends and family will begin to wonder who is in. Do something special to ask your bridal party to be part of your day. BEGIN THE GUEST LIST
58
Create a head count spreadsheet to use during the planning process. Include columns for contact info, RSVPs, plus ones and anything else you would like to keep track of. HIRE A PLANNER, IF DESIRED
A good planner will have relationships with— and insights about—vendors. A planner can also help save you money in the long run and reduce stress. SELECT YOUR DATE AND VENUES
Keep in mind that the most popular venues and wedding dates get booked far in advance. As soon as you are engaged, you need to nail down these details.
PURCHASE A DRESS
Bridal gowns can take up to months to arrive once you place order, so make sure you start and plan to schedule time for at three fittings.
eight your early least
Eight Months Before HIRE THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER BOOK ENTERTAINMENT
If there is a certain band or DJ you are interested in, attend a gig or two to see how they perform in front of an audience. MEET CATERERS
If your wedding venue doesn’t offer a food & beverage service, start meeting with potentials this month and hire your favorite now or early next month. RESERVE A BLOCK OF HOTEL ROOMS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
Select three or four different hotels at varying price points and near your reception venue. REGISTER FOR GIFTS
Choose a minimum of three retailers to register at. Consider choosing a locally owned retailer along with a retailer that has good online shopping options available.
Six to Seven Months Before PURCHASE INVITATIONS
BOOK YOUR OFFICIANT
Research photographers, bands, florists and caterers. Like venues, these vendors can book up quickly and far in advance. If you have any favorites you know you want to work with, let them know ASAP and get your signed contract and deposits in. For others, start preliminary research and put their contact information in your wedding binder.
THE BRIDAL BOOK
START PLANNING A HONEYMOON SELECT BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Allow at least six months for the dresses to be ordered and sized. Once you have dresses picked out, give your bridesmaids a deadline to have them ordered by so the order is placed on time.
MEET WITH THE OFFICIANT
Map out the ceremony and confirm that you have all the official documents for the wedding based on your county and religion. MAIL OUT SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS RESERVE STRUCTURAL & ELECTRICAL NECESSITIES
Portable toilets, extra chairs, lighting, etc.… SELECT A FLORIST
Since florists can serve multiple clients on one day, you can wait until now to formally hire one. However, it is never too early to book a florist. ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION
Think about limos, trolleys, town cars and minibuses for transportation of the bride and groom and the bridal party.
Three Months Before FINALIZE THE MENU AND FLOWERS
Wait until now to see what will be available and in season. ORDER FAVORS MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE GIVING TOASTS FINALIZE THE READINGS PURCHASE YOUR undergarments and schedule your second dress fitting FINALIZE THE ORDER of the ceremony and
the reception PRINT MENU CARDS, as well as the programs PURCHASE THE WEDDING BANDS
START COMPILING A DAY-OF TIMELINE
Draft a schedule of the wedding day and include a time for each component (cake cutting, first dance, etc.…)
Five to Four Months Before BOOK THE REHEARSAL AND REHEARSAL DINNER VENUES
SEND YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE TO THE VENDORS
Giving them a first draft now will give plenty of time for tweaks, feedback and perfecting.
59
Two Months Before with all vendors and make sure any questions have been answered TOUCH BASE
SELECT AND ORDER THE CAKE
Some bakers require a long lead time, so make sure to attend tastings and hire in advance. PURCHASE WEDDING SHOES AND START DRESS FITTINGS
MEET WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Talk through specific shots and walk through the locations to determine specific shot locations.
Bring your shoes with you to your fittings so the tailor can determine the appropriate length for your gown.
REVIEW THE PLAYLIST with the band or DJ
SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS
SEND OUT INVITATIONS
Make sure you do a trial run of hair and makeup and be completely open about what you like and don’t like about the finished product.
Mail invites six to eight weeks before the ceremony, setting the RSVP cutoff at three weeks after the postmark date.
Make sure to let them know of any songs that are off limits.
CHOOSE YOUR MUSIC
Select what music will be playing during each part of the day – when the wedding party is announced, during dinner, etc.… Keep a list of what you want and do not want played.
continued THE BRIDAL BOOK
PLANNING CHECKLIST CONT. notes:
One Month Before ENTER RSVPS into your guest list spreadsheet
TOUCH
BASE
with anyone who has not
responded GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE MAIL THE REHEARSAL DINNER INVITATIONS HAVE YOUR FINAL DRESS FITTING
You may want to also schedule one last fitting for the week of your wedding to make sure everything still fits perfectly. have
a
MAIL OUT AS MANY FINAL PAYMENTS
to
STOCK
THE
BAR
once
you
firm headcount 60
vendors as you can for hair, makeup and all vendor arrival times
CONFIRM TIMES
EMAIL AND PRINT DIRECTIONS
for drivers of
transport vehicles ASSIGN SEATING PURCHASE bridesmaid & groomsmen gifts WRITE YOUR VOWS,
if necessary
GET YOUR HAIR CUT & COLORED
THE BRIDAL BOOK
WEDDING WEEK Week of Wedding RECONFIRM
notes:
arrival times with all vendors
DELEGATE SMALL WEDDING-DAY TASKS
Choose someone to help with the many small details, such as bustling your dress, carrying your things, making sure the gifts make it home, etc.… SEND A TIMELINE TO THE BRIDAL PARTY
Make this thorough and include everyone’s contact information and who to contact should problems arise. PICK UP YOUR DRESS SET ASIDE CHECKS FOR THE VENDORS
Put checks and tips in labeled envelopes to be handed out at the event. BOOK A SPA TREATMENT
61
Make an appointment for a manicure and pedicure the day before the wedding. to caterer and all venues hosting any wedding-related events. Typically, companies close their lists 72 hours in advance. SEND FINAL GUEST LIST
ASSEMBLE AND DISTRIBUTE welcome baskets PACK
for your honeymoon
Take a deep breath and remember to relax, have fun and enjoy your day!
THE BRIDAL BOOK
(850) 841.7663
www.vocellesbridal.com . 1301 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL By Appointment
Photo by Brittany Morgan Photography
TIPS ON HOW TO BE A SAVVY SHOPPER By Kristen Barstow, owner of Vocelles | The Bridal Shoppe Shopping for the perfect wedding gown is one of the most fun parts of being a bride. But if you’re like most brides, the whole process of finding “THE ONE” can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve put together some basic tips that will help take the stress out of shopping and will allow you to relax, have fun and get the most out of your shopping time.
Before you go… Determine your overall wedding budget Make sure you take the time to determine your overall wedding budget and how much of that budget you would like to put toward your dress. Knowing a ballpark of how much you would like to spend will help your bridal stylist pick the best styles for you and will help you make the most of your shopping time.
Location, Location, Location! Knowing where you are going to get married will be a tremendous help in finding the perfect dress. Are you getting married on the beach? In a church? In a barn? In a ballroom? Different venues lend themselves to different dress styles so make sure you have an idea of where you’ll be tying the knot.
Do Your Homework Before you go shopping, compile photos of styles that you like. We love when brides share their Pinterest boards with us so we have a visual of what styles they are drawn toward. It’s a great starting point for your appointment.
Schedule Appointments in Advance Most bridal shops prefer that you make an appointment to try on gowns. Make sure you call in advance to set up a time to go shopping.
Shopping Day! So Many Opinions! Don’t overwhelm yourself by bringing too many people with you to your appointment. Too many opinions are overwhelming and can take away from your experience. We recommed 4 guests max.
Be Open Minded Trust the experts. While you have spent countless hours on Pinterest finding styles that you like, that is only step 1. Trust your bridal consultant when she recommends that you try on a dress that is totally different than anything you’ve ever considered. More times than not brides surprise themselves and choose a dress that’s totally different than they would have imagined.
Photo by Kylene & Ryan Studios
Make Your Wedding Exactly Like Nothing Else. Historic boutique hotel overlooking Tallahassee. Stylish, contemporary accommodations. Attention to detail. Exceptional personal service.
www.hotelduval.com 415 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 850.224.6753
64
Vocelles brides
SAY IT BEST
64 THE BRIDAL BOOK
At Vocelles Bridal, we create a true experience for our brides. The Vocelles Experience is filled with touches of laid-back luxury. Crystal chandeliers and sparkling champagne, paired with the most beautiful dresses and true southern hospitality. Our professional stylists find their greatest joy in creating a memorable day for brides and those they are closest with. Our brides say it better than we can - here are some testimonials from past clients.
The first and last place I went for my wedding gown!
As someone who lives in Atlanta, I figured I would pop into Vocelles in my hometown while visiting my parents for the weekend. I was shocked by the variety of dresses in Vocelles and I found “the one!” My mom and I felt NO pressure to buy right then but, we figured, what’s the point in looking elsewhere?! I am ecstatic to be working with such a great company in preparation for my “best day ever!”- ELLE, VOCELLES BRIDE “I came to my appointment nervous, as I’ve never tried on dresses before. From the moment I walked in I felt at ease. The store is GORGEOUS, Audrey was the associate helping me and she was so amazing. I found my dress within 30 minutes of being there. I have been to other bridal salons with my friends and family who had been shopping and this was a totally di¼erent experience. Laid back, super personal vibe. I would go back here a million times over. I had the whole store to myself which helped me feel way more relaxed.” – MOLLIE, VOCELLES BRIDE
65
“There is a reason why this place is so loved. Aªer looking around online at places where I currently live (in Jacksonville) I decided to look online in my hometown of Tallahassee. This shop and these girls made that 3 hour drive back and forth totally worth it! Laura helped me through the entire process. I really wasn’t sure what I wanted. I was honestly afraid walking in that I would feel overwhelmed with too many ideas and that I would be torn between which dress was the right one. Laura sat down with me, took notes on what the wedding was going to be like, asked me about any concerns and even my budget. She then took my little idea of “light and airy” and totally ran with it. She was absolutely amazing!!” - JANNA, VOCELLES BRIDE “I always dreamed of the day I’d get to step into this beautiful bridal shop and find my dress. To my surprise I found my dress during my FIRST appointment thanks to Elizabeth and all of the lovely ladies there! Elizabeth made the experience of finding my dress so fun and was so helpful during the dress finding process, I couldn’t have imagined this without her! Thanks for the great memories and champagne.” - MEGAN, VOCELLES BRIDE
THE BRIDAL BOOK
A Magical Ending to Your New Beginning 850.556.5982
info@ashleypyrotechnics.com
ashleypyrotechnics.com
850.841.7663
ď Ź
vocellesbridal.com 1301 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL By Appointment
Photo by: Maria Berlin | www.mariaberlin.com
68
Vocelles Bridal is a true bridal experience for the modern bride. Combining big-city style with small-town southern hospitality, we have been styling fashion-conscious brides since 2009. Schedule an Appointment or Ask us a Question info@vocellesbridal.com 850.841.7663
Visit us Online www.vocellesbridal.com
Address: 1301 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32303
Follow Us
THE BRIDAL BOOK
Š 2019 Vocelles Bridal. All rights reserved.