Vocelles - The Bridal Book 2019

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.