Now the fun begins, the planning. Whether you want everyone you've ever met to be witness to the ceremony, or keep it small and simple, the options are seemingly endless. Do you want a ceremony at the beach? Or in a church? Do you want to stay at a five-star resort and be pampered on your honeymoon? Or, be more outdoorsy and adventurous?

According to weddingreports.com, a statistical report for the wedding professional, more than 162,780 couples will say their I'do's in the state of Florida in 2007 alone!
Historically, weddings - romance and Florida have gone hand in hand (think Cinderella's castle in Disney World). From coast to coast, the state emits a romantic flavor due to the expanse of beaches, breathtaking sunsets and tropical locales.
Brides and groom's planning their nuptials from out of state need not worry. Florida's wedding professionals are able to work with couples as intimately as if they were seated across from them. And to aide couples with their decisions, the following professionals offer their services and advice...

Make it legal...
Guidelines for obtaining a Marriage License. In Central Florida (rules and cost vary slightly from county to county), the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Couples age 16-17 must have parental consent.
There is no waiting period for Florida residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course. On Florida's West Coast, there is no waiting period required for out-of-state residents.
Florida requires that you have picture ID such as a driver's license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. Both bride and groom must be present. There is a fee of $93.50. Licenses are available from the County Clerks Offices or Clerk of the Court's offices.
Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local county clerk to make sure.

Hair & Make-up Artistry
A Victorian Bride - Central West
941-928-3651 www.avictorianbride.com
Whether it's a wedding or simply a very special event, Linda Shepard, of a Victorian Bride, keeps it simple by arriving at your chosen location and immediately setting ones mind at ease.
Specializing in up do hairstyles and make-up artistry, Linda provides more than 25 years of experience and is well-known in the makeup and hair design industry, having worked for such prestigious cosmetic lines such as Yves St. Laurent, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Laura Mercier, M.A.C., and Orlane.

Makeovermajic - Central
407-891-9608 www.makeovermajic.com
Throughout the state of Florida, brides who wish to enhance their already beautiful "glow" seek out the services of Anna Wacaser. With more than 20 years of experience, Anna is able to accentuate the natural features found within each woman and makes each client feel like a princess!
From accessories, hair and make up, Anna has a warm and professional way of taking care of each client, regardless of occasion!
Services are provided throughout the state of Florida.

Bridal Shops & Formal Wear
Sarasota Brides - Central West
941-927-4969 www.sarasotabrides.com
Ladies looking for the ideal gown to enhance that already perfect day, need look no further than Sarasota County. Sarasota Brides features bridal fashions, formal wear and accessories from some of today's hottest designers and stylists.
"Brides these days are getting away from the traditional gowns of their mothers and are leaning more towards the strapless dress with tufted skirts", said Beverly Nowell, owner of Sarasota Brides since 1987. "The colors that are being chosen by today's bride are very important," adds Nowell. From gold and coral to lace overlays, brides should select what makes them happy, instead of going with a more traditional style or color. "I even have a light blue wedding gown in my store" said Nowell.

Ever After Bridals & Formals - Central
866-368-3837 / 407-854-0259 www.mybeautifulgown.com
Your search for the perfect look is over with one visit to Ever After Bridals & Formals, one of Central Florida's largest formal wear stores. From bridesmaid gowns, mother-of-the-bride or tuxedo rentals, every member of your wedding party will be fashionably attired to enhance your particular ceremony.
For brides who prefer their gowns to be one-of-a-kind, custom-designs are available. In addition, Ever After provides an array of accessories, shoes, veils and lingerie. Worldwide shipping is available.

Special Touches
Always Forever Weddings - Central West
941-358-3423 www.alwaysforeverweddings.com
Services: Photography, Videography, Notary Ceremonies
Through wedding photography and videography, Always Forever Weddings will capture every special moment to tell the romantic story of your wedding day. Whether it is a sunset beach wedding, a garden wedding or the church wedding you always imagined, Always Forever Weddings blends traditional photography with photojournalist style, and our videography is enhanced with music overlays and photographs from your day. With certain services, Always Forever Weddings offers a Wedding Officiant with customized wedding vows.

The Jungle of Sarasota - Central West
941-378-0628
Services: Floral
From elegant to sassy, brides-to-be are encouraged to integrate the native flora found only in Florida. The variety of blooms provided by the Jungle of Sarasota, combined with the professional services, is guaranteed to enhance any ceremony! (For a special touch, buy some extra roses to soak in your bath the morning of).
Along with bouquets, services include boutonniëres, mother-of-the-bride/groom corsages and ceremony centerpieces. Wedding coordination, parties, and celebrations, delivery and special landscaping services, along with plant rentals are available upon request.

VJ Silver Productions - Central West
941-504-0889 www.vjsilverproductions.com
Services: DJ, Photography, Videography, Notary Service
Find all those "extra" services one requires to host a successful event - with only one company! From the photography and videotaping of your event, to DJ services (Spanish and English) or karaoke with disco lights and fog machines, are all made available to energize your next celebration!
Those wishing for a simple, intimate, ceremony, notary services are available.

One Fine Day Wedding & Event Planning - Central West
813-624-5484 www.onefinedayweddingplanning.com
Services: Personalized wedding and event planner
There isn't a bride who hasn't dreamed endlessly of her perfect day. When the time comes to make all the arrangements and suggest those "special touches" trust the professional services of Linda Fairbairn, who has been making brides relax for more than 15 years. Her attention to detail and calming demeanor allows all couples feel confident their day is distinctive.

Tropical Ballooning Adventures - South West
305-582-3898 www.flyaballoon.com
Services: Unique Venues
Celebrate your ceremony while soaring above the beauty of South Florida! Couples will see the magnitude of the Everglades and the charm of Key West, all from the comforts of a hot air balloon basket!
Owned and operated by pilot Tom Mackie for more than 25 years, Tropical Ballooning Adventures is your one-stop adventure and covers from six to 15 miles.
All participants are encouraged to bring a camera as the area's fruit groves that include Mango's, Avocados and Lychee's which makes ballooning spectacular.

All About Honeymoons - Statewide
800-219-8379 / 407-963-2643 allisonf@allabouthoneymoons.com
Services: Honeymoon Planning - Reservations
While planning the most romantic experience of your lives, trust a professional who can make all your romance dreams come true.
From tropical and lively locales to quaint and more sophisticated accommodations, Allison Ferguson of All About Honeymoons will personalize your vacation and accommodate all your interests! A sample of available destination packages include the Tahiti Honeymoon Delight, six days in paradise with accommodations in an over-the-water bungalow, breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe, a tropical flower bouquet, champagne and canapes in your bungalow and more....

A Piece of Cake of Sarasota, Inc. - Central West
941-926-8194 www.apieceofcakesarasota.com
Services: Cakes for all occasions
Have your wedding cake as unique as your special day with a personalized touch. Frank Cappellino has been creating masterpieces for all occasions and is able to work with couples to develop their ideal decorative (and tasty) wedding cake! Each of Frank’s cakes are made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. From tilted colorful, madhatters, designer suitcases, heart-shaped candy-box designs, as well as the traditional cascading layers and tiered wedding cakes, the choice is yours!

Presentations Catering & Lakeside Deli - Central
352-357-3900 www.presentationscatering.com
Services: Catering for all events
Make your next reception or gathering memorable with the proper planning and presentation. With more than 20 years in the food service industry, Presentations Catering will personalize your gathering or reception to meet the needs of the guests and couple themselves. Regardless of your budget, formal dinners with fine linens to boxed meals served as less formal engagements are available, and will have your guests (and their palates) thanking you for such a consideration! Ask about their themed events!

Gulf Coast Florida Limousine of Sarasota - Central West
941-360-1469 www.gulfcoastfloridalimo.com
Services: Luxury Car Service from Lincoln Town Car Sedans to Stretch Limousines and SUV (seven passengers/lots of luggage)
Have your guests met at any Florida airport, then whisked to your rehearsal dinner and wedding locations. After the event, you'll be picked up at any accommodation for return airport service. In addition, transportation is also provided to Florida cruise port destinations.
The service is dependable, safe; permitted, licensed and insured. All vehicles are late model, and each chauffeur is courteous and well-trained.

Nellies Deli, Market & Catering - Central West
941-924-2705 www.nelliescatering.com
Services: Catering Weddings and special events
Using only the freshest ingredients, which arrive daily, the team at Nellies Deli, Market & Catering will tempt the tastebuds of your guests.
A catering specialist will be happy to suggest and create a memorable atmosphere, within your budget. In addition, complimentary services include fresh floral arrangements for buffet tables, candleholders and wedding coordination and Rehearsal Direction are provided.
Formal sit down affairs, BBQ and Buffet-style options are available.

Venues
Take your reception or gathering to another level with a celebration that's as unique as your event!

R oyal Pacific Resort, a Loews Hotel - Central
407-503-3000 www.universalorlando.com
An exotic tropical paradise awaits brides and grooms at Royal Pacific Resort. From the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical surroundings and sparkling waterfalls to the serene tranquility of the orchid court, where flowers are always in bloom, you will be transported to the enchanted isles of the South Pacific!

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
407-503-2000 www.universalorlando.com
As Billy Idol would say, "It's a nice day for a white wedding!" Central Florida's coolest hotel is waiting to treat brides and grooms like rock stars. Intimate wedding ceremonies include on site wedding coordination. Hard Rock Hotel's wedding packages feature a complimentary champagne toast, wedding night accommodations and breakfast in bed. The bride- and groom-to-be can choose a package or the resort can create one that will "rock" their world.

Portofino Bay Hotel - a Loews Hotel
407-503-1000 www.universalorlando.com
Just the word Portofino invokes thoughts of a moonlit bay nestled on the Riviera. That's why every wedding at the Portofino Bay Hotel captures the ambience and romance of this Mediterranean oasis. The resort has created timeless memories in an imaginative setting that is certain to delight not only the bride and groom, but every guest as well. From intimate wedding packages to more elaborate celebrations, a wedding at the Portofino Bay Hotel will exceed all expectations.

Hawk's Cay Resort - South Coast
888-443-6393 www.hawkscay.com
The resort is ideal for couple's wanting a one-of-a-kind experience. The groom and his wedding party can charter a fishing trip to reel in the big one before his big day. The bride and her wedding party can spend the day snorkeling a live coral reef. The couple can treat themselves to a unique dolphin interactive experience. Others may want to take advantage of the resort's family activities and kids programs - it's all available in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Those seeking a tropical honeymoon can count on Hawk's Cay Resort to deliver a memorable experience and a true romantic escape. Couples can choose from a variety of packages that include a bottle of champagne, sunset cruises and romantic dinners, kayaking and bicycle rentals. Couples can also choose to have a massage together at the spa, or even learn to scuba dive together.
All of a couple's needs are tended to by the resort's onsite wedding manager. Hawk's Cay's conference and catering staff have extensive wedding and banquet expertise and serve up a menu featuring award-winning cuisine.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa - South West
888-309-2912 www.pinkshell.com
Along Southwest Florida, wedding couples and their guests can enjoy a myriad of accommodations and amenities, including studio, one or two-bedroom accommodations; Aquagene, a full-service, state-of-the-art spa for couples and the whole family; water sports activities; two restaurants; KiddsKampp, an adult-supervised children's café and youth program and "Octopool," an expansive pool and terrace area.
Located on Estero Island along the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, the 12-acre Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa is able to assist couples with all their needs as onsite staff is able to communicate and make dreams come true, whether large or small.
Destination wedding packages are available.

Tropical Breeze Resort & Spa - Central West
941-349-1125 www.tropicalbreezeinn.com
Couples are invited to experience the romance of starting their lives together on Siesta Key's pure white quartz sand. In addition to the resort's unparallel view of the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Breeze Resort & Spa offers specially discounted guest accommodations that range from beachfront to lush tropical garden suites.
Spectacular beach ceremony locations are free and conducted by the selected officiate of your choice.
The resort's accommodations, many recently remodeled, range from charming standard rooms and efficiencies to spacious one, two, three, four, and five bedroom suites.
Couples can pamper themselves at the Key Day Spa or enjoy a workout at the onsite fitness center. Tropical Breeze Resort & Spa features three, conveniently located swimming pools throughout the property. Also, for their guests' convenience, there are beach chairs and umbrellas for rent directly on the beach.

Summer Beach Resort - North East
800-862-9297 www.summerbeach.com
At Summer Beach Resort and the Golf Club of Amelia Island you'll find the perfect setting for a beautiful beach ceremony and reception, as well as the ideal place for you and your guests to stay.
The resort and golf club, are situated along the Atlantic shoreline, and are surrounded by live oaks and pines.
With spectacular ocean views, the resort rentals include single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, villas and penthouses. The resort also makes for a unique, romantic honeymoon.

Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites - Lake Buena Vista
888-354-1356 / 407-239-0444 www.sheratonsafari.com
Celebrate your ceremony - with a twist. When your budget won't allow for an authentic African adventure, recreate one in the heart of Central Florida! From taking advantage of the Walt Disney Resort, located adjacent to the property, to the 13,000 square feet of banquet space, couples planning their event, whether large or small, are graciously accommodated.
In addition to the hotel's 393 guestrooms and 90 Safari Suites, the hotel features onsite dining, a fitness center, and African-themed pool complex.
Couples can take advantage of the Wedding Night Special that includes a bottle of wine and cheese plate upon arrival; full American breakfast for two via room service; and 4 p.m. check out.
Convenient onsite services include professional event coordinators, and consistently recognized culinary staff. Couples can simply sit back and relax, as professional staff members will enchant your guests with a sophisticated blend of style and elegance. From menu planning and decorations to floral arrangements and audiovisual support, your event will be custom-designed to your wishes.

Calypso Resort & Towers - Panama City Beach
800-211-8906 www.waterstoneresorts.com
Look back on your wedding day with memories of emerald green waters, gleaming white sand and breathtaking nightly sunsets. The Calypso Resort & Towers offers couples and their guests a luxurious destination to host their next event, or discreet getaway.
Whether couples choose to utilize the private beachfront, or host an indoor celebration within the Calypso's intimate meeting area, the outstanding service and professional offerings, will add a sense of well-being throughout your entire visit.
To assist guests with their next celebratory event, the resort has compiled, on your behalf, preferred onsite vendors.
The Calypso Resort & Towers offers nearly 650 beautifully appointed, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Some guestrooms feature a bunk bed insert or bunk room.
Rentals are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal basis.

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel - Miami Airport
305-825-1000 / 800-860-3966 www.hojomia.com
Convenient to all south Florida attractions, this full-service plaza hotel features first-class amenities and services, with affordable prices. Featuring free continental breakfast, onsite night club, pool and Jacuzzi, and concierge, guests of your event will be thankful you chose such a multi-functional property to host your celebration! Onsite event planning is available and offers an indoor grand foyer or outdoor poolside cocktail reception option and breathtaking ballroom, accommodating up to 500 guests. From enjoying the comforts of the Bridal Suite with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on your wedding night to utilizing the referrals and services of some of Miami's finest suppliers of entertainment, flowers, linens and invitations, no detail is overlooked.
Refer to code LWFT for special guestroom and event discounts.