Intimate Sunday Wedding

Everything about this wedding was so intimate and detailed, from the floating candles to the exquisite menu. Tony Evans was the amazing photographer behind the day and he was able to capture the most beautiful moments in a very natural way.

How about the ceremony? What is more romantic that an outdoor ceremony in a beautiful and cozy gazebo and having the bride to arrive in a horse drawn carriage? Hilton Ocala played host to this gorgeous, intimate wedding. Congratulations to the newly married Mr. & Mrs. Gregoire.

Tips on Writing a Winning Entry

Last July, after the first Wedding Giveaway, I had a chance to chat with the judges who selected the winning Memorable Romantic Moment. My question? What made someone’s story stand out? Because I love my readers, I thought I’d share what they had to say, and give some tips on writing a winning entry.

USE YOUR WORDS

You have 250 words: use them! Too often, entries use only a few words, far too few to allow judges to get to know you. At the same time, 250 words aren’t really that much. Don’t waste words on pleading (“Please choose us! We really need this!”) or being overly general (“Every day is a memorable moment with my wife!”). These remarks don’t really tell the judges much about you, and waste the few words you do get to use.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

The little details included in an entry were definitely what made judges remember them. Imagine you are filming a scene of your memorable moment and write about what you see. Instead of writing “My fiancée really went out of his way to make his proposal special,” write a scene, something like: “My fiancée covered the table with 400 pink rose petals, one for every day we were together. He even pretended remember which day each petal represented and recounted some of the special ones before proposing. ” The details allow the reader to envision that moment in their minds. A depiction of a single incident is often more effective than trying to encapsulate your entire relationship in 250 words.

ILLUSTRATE WHO YOU ARE

The best entries show the judges a little bit of who you are. Are you marrying your first love? Have you searched for years before finding your soul mate? Is this the second chance at love that you’d thought you’d never have? What challenges have you experienced in your relationship? How did you overcome them? Answering these questions will help the judges understand who you are and where you come from – and why you need a free wedding!!


Here are some examples of some good entries:

Scott is not a hearts and flowers kind of guy, and for the last several years every Saturday he steals my car. It comes back a few hours later, washed, waxed and detailed. He checks the tires, the oil, and listens for any funny noises. Now every time I insert the key to start the car, his love roars just like the engine. It makes me feel secure and cared for. It is just one of the reasons I want to be his wife.

I didn’t fall in love with Angela for her cooking. She burned water making spaghetti once. So when I came home and the kitchen was covered with flour and Angela was anxiously watching the oven, I was worried. When the buzzer went off, she pulled out a hot bubbling mess, only slightly burned on the edges. Angela looked up at me, her eyes welling up. She said she called my grandmother to get the recipe for my favorite childhood meal, chicken pot pie, and worked all afternoon on it. I knew right then she was the girl for me. I’m just glad she is beautiful and likes to do the dishes.

Good Luck!! - Diana

Getting Ready for the Month of Love

Wow! January FLEW by. I've been busy planning the Hilton Ocala's Month of Love, a celebration for the month of February. It is exciting because brides can come in the hotel and see what we are all about before planning their big day. They can also register to win a free wedding with great prizes from our local wedding partners. Here are some of the events we are planning:

2/1/10 Design Your Table Help us select the winner from the displayed tables in our lobby. The winner will be announced on 2/25/10. Her table creation will be displayed at the Free Wedding Giveaway Event held on 2/25/10.

2/09/10 Chocolate Obsession 6pm to 7pm Learn how to romance your partner with chocolate featuring a cooking class by our award-winning Chef Randal White Prizes will be raffled and will include dinner for two in Arthur’s & Sunday brunch .

2/17/10 Jack & Jill Wedding Shower 6pm to 7pm
A Fun reception for couples full of games and activities -Shh! the prize is a surprise and will be announced at the event.

Cupid’s Corner Friday Nights 2/05/10, 2/12/10 & 2/19/10 Time: 6pm to 7pm Let the Hilton Ocala find you Love! Singles all over Ocala will meet and mingle in our bar featuring complimentary signature martinis from Cupid’s Secret Recipe Book (Love Potion, Forget Me Not, Perfect Pair). Games and entertainment will be provided by Times of Your Life.

2/25/10 Ultimate Month of Love Wedding Giveaway!!

If you are interested in attending any of these events or would like to register for the free wedding, go to www.hiltonocala.com/love

Personalize Your Wedding

Your wedding should have your personal touch. This is the opportunity to express yourself and you as a couple. Combine your likes and styles from the color selection to the profession you have.
There is nothing wrong with having different themes for the cocktail reception and another for the reception. How about celebrating your favorite season or festivity of the year? The sky is the limit and you do not have to break the bank to do it. There are many things you can do yourself:

• Small gummy bear candy jars for favors
• Making your own invitation or programs with that picture that you love so much
• Name the tables with names of the countries or cities you want to visit
• Design a signature drink and give the recipe cards to all your guest.

For more ideas you can always check online one of my favorite sites is http://www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com/ .

The Must-Haves vs. The Wish-to-Haves

For any little girl growing up, the wedding day is one of the most magical and expected days of your life, but do not allow your dream to become a nightmare by going over your budget and getting stressed at the last minute when you realized that you have the “wish to have” first over the things you “must have”.

Do not get discouraged! You can have both if you get organized. Make a list of all you want and draw a picture of your perfect wedding. Enjoy it and then make a list separating this list in two. First list the things you must have like:

• Location of Ceremony
• The Reception Venue
• The Meal
• Wedding gown, etc.

And then you go to the second list:

• Butterflies Released
• Sparklers for guests when you are leaving the event
• Personalized label bottle of wines for guests

Remember what could sound extravagant for some people could be essential for you. Keep in mind that this is your day and only you can determine what will make it complete. Once you have both lists, get a full estimate of list one, and then you see what room you have left in the budget for that second list. Don’t worry if there are things that in the beginning won’t make it into your budget. You will see that once you start taking care the “most haves ” room will open for the “wish to haves”. Also, be creative. You can find different options to make your dream a reality.

Enjoy the planning don’t let stress or budget get on your way having the perfect wedding!