Most brides I work with to the extent I have with my New York bride, I have met personally, however in this case we have never met face to face.
Our first contact with each other was on October 2, 2008, and as of this posting we are still in constant contact.
Melanie and I have worked out such a great working relationship, that neither one of us hesitates to give our honest opinion to each other in order to make her wedding day exactly the way she wants it.
Organization is key here both for the bride and or course myself, as over such an extended period of time so much has been discussed.
Melanie started out emailing me with a planning thread and a list of flowers that she liked and it all took off from there.
I in turn sent her samples of some of the flowers that could be used. I wanted her to see the size and texture of the “real touch” flowers and get her approval
She then sent me pictures of the bridesmaids dresses in order to compliment them with the proper florals.
Her dress is absolutely exquisite and one of the challenges was then for me to make a custom made hairpiece to compliment the dress. She chose a veil from our inventory, and the hairpiece matches the veil.
We then moved on to centrepieces, and both the florals and lampshades are all customized to her vision and in the colours she requested. The lampshades did create a bit of a problem, but we did make a final decision. Even specialized paper and samples were shipped to me by Melanie to use.
Special sized nautilus shells were also introduced to the floral decor.
The chairs for the bride and the groom have a customized floral arrangement to be hung on the back of the chairs to add to the already meticulous designs she has requested.
As an added embellishment Melanie had asked us for a special design that she wanted created for her wedding party and parents place settings.
The boutonnieres are fashioned a little different than the standard ones you see at weddings, and this only adds to the unique ideas this bride has come up with.
Melanie sent me a sample of her invitations. and they are the finest work I have ever seen done by anybody. The textures used and the beautiful way they are done to co-ordinate with the destination wedding theme is amazing. She also had sent me her save-the-date- bottles done with sand, a small scroll inside and a parasol all topped off with a cork and a label on the outside. All of these were done by the bride herself, and it just shows the time and effort she has put into making her day an event to remember.
During this whole process, we had to consider that everything being done needed to be shipped to New York city and then in turn down to Jamaica without compromising or ruining any of the materials. We couldn’t ship directly to the co-ordinator at the resort in Jamaica, as Melanie stated that it might get lost.
With so much being done by us for this wedding, it is not unusual to have the contact with each other to the extent that we have.
We are finished everything except her fan programs, which she printed herself, (she’s a graphic artist) and is shipping to me to be cut, assembled and finishing touches added. Sadly this will be our last project for her wedding that we do together.
Melanie is a very special person to me, and has now made this a personal relationship. She is the most thoughtful, gracious bride. I even got a text message this weekend from her, to wish me “Happy Mothers Day”. She will never know the extent of my gratitude for that simple thoughtful gesture.
So Melanie, I know you are reading this, here is a personal public message for you.
I have enjoyed so much working with you in order to make your ideas and dreams a reality. Not once that I know of – lol – did you get worried, upset or flustered in order for us to overcome some obstacles we encountered along the way but kept exactly what you wanted in your focus, and made the process work. Even though we did have to make some changes due to circumstances beyond our control you were readily agreeable and accepted them. I have conversed with you via email and phone more than any other bride I have worked with but I knew each contact with you would never be a problem and any issues that arose were rectified and dealt with accordingly in a very sweet manner from you.
As our planning time together winds down, I have to admit I’m going to miss working with you. No… that’s wrong. I’m just plain going to miss you. Your personality alone speaks volumes. I would be at your wedding in a heartbeat and I really do appreciate the invite, however other obligations have to be met.
I know your day will be one of the most spectacular weddings Ocho Rios has ever seen.
It has been my absolute joy and pleasure to work with you on your wedding and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
And now I wish both You and Rob congratulations and God’s Blessing on Your Wedding Day and…. may He always be the heart of your marriage, the light of your home and the ever-present partner in your life together.
With Love
Judi
