PS Photography

COME DISCOVER LOVE, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FL

Discover Love 2010 was a huge success.  Vero Beach and the surrounding areas are beautiful, and we wanted to show it off as a hot spot for destination weddings.  It’s a “beach town with luxury”.  You walk down Ocean Drive and you can find couture clothing, shop for custom jewelry or sip on coffee beach side.  It truly is a great experience.  And, 40 of the top planners were able to agree.

From the moment they checked into Costa d’Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach Hotel and Spa or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, they were pampered.  Transportation was provided by Magic Carpet Ride, and they whisked the planners to Vero Beach Hotel and Spa for the “Welcome Reception”.  As steele drums played, the planners were able to network with the areas wedding vendors, and get to know what this “Hidden Gem” is all about.  They then visited Capt Hiram’s Sand Bar for some live music and great food.  The riverside restaurant was a perfect spot to end the evening.

Day Two began with breakfast at Mulligans on the beach.  With the warm sun and the ocean breeze, the planners were mesmerized with the beauty that our beaches have to offer.  They were then given a Indian River Lagoon Tour, thanks to Capt Hiram’s and the River Queen.  It was a perfect day.

We all have to admit, that lunch at Costa d’Este Beach Resort was amazing.  Not only was the food provided by the chefs at Costa d’Este delish, but the decor was to die for.  Andres from Mystique Flowers truly made my jaw drop.  His designs are always so clean and beautiful, true art.

Dom Perignon provided all the champagne in celebration of the launch of their new wedding collection.  And, I have to say, who doesn’t love a little Dom!

Susan Moynihan, editor in chief of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine spoke on the trends of destination weddings.  Not surprisingly, destination weddings in Florida is on the rise.  It was interesting to hear the statistics and her perception on the wedding industry.

And, Grace Ormonde took a detour from her treck all over the country for her book’s release to do a private book signing for us.  Her new book, “Being in love never goes out of style” has been such a success, and we have a signed copy!  It was such an honor to meet her, and to hear her advices and encouragement.  For those of you who don’t know, she is like a celebrity in the wedding world.  Her magazine, “Wedding Style Magazine” is a must read.  And her book is no different.  It boasts of amazing photographs and details that leave you breathless.  More so than a book, it is a collection of art.

We then went to McKee Botanical Gardens to show the planners that Vero Beach also has beautiful tropical locations that are not beachside.  The gardens boast of gorgeous, lush greenery perfect for the romantic “green” bride wanting a more organic look.  Mckee has such history that is so amazing.  From having the largest solid piece of Mahogany as a table, to their rare plant life.

The day ended with a bit of a bang… Lighting, that is.  The Event Firm, along with Frostings, set up poolside at Costa d’Este Beach Resort, only to be surprised by a rain storm.  We were able to snap a few photos of their amazing displays, which was amazing.  The tablescapes were so modern, which played on the modern feel of Costa d’Este.  And, the rain came down; but, they pulled off a miracle along with the help of many of the guest planners and the party continued in the Crystal Room with music by DJ Sarli.  We all danced the night away!  (Thanks, DJ Sarli for keeping us out of our seats and dancing till the last song!)

(By the way, these are delicious chocolate cigars, yum.)

The last day was concluded at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort with guest speaker, Rebecca Grinnals.  She motivated the planners and it was a perfect ending to an amazing 3 days.

To wrap up the event, only one word can describe it: unforgettable.  The friendships that were made, the memorable experiences, and the lasting words of the guest speakers…  Unforgettable.

Special thanks to the following vendors for the countless hours of planning and their invaluable participation…  (Especially Alba, from Costa d’Este Beach Resort, who made her vision a reality.)

Capt Hirams, Costa d’Este Beach Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Indian River County’s Chamber of Commerce, Magic Carpet Ride, Mystique Flowers & Events, Panache Weddings & Events, The Event Firm, Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, McKee Botanical Garden, Simply Cinematic (thanks Rainer, it was again truly a pleasure to work with you) and yours truly, PS Photography.

Of course, our wonderful speakers:  Susan Moynihan, Grace Ormonde and Rebecca Grinnals.