Real Weddings: Danny and Monica Part I

From the moment I had our first conversation, I knew Monica was excited to see what we could do. Her wedding theme was a little different from most brides I've met. It wasn't a specific color theme nor was the wedding going to go for your typical glitz and glamour style. Instead her and her fiance, Danny, wanted to celebrate their family's homeland. Their theme was Cuba Nostalgia. 

Photos Courtesy of J. Garcia Photography

They wanted to travel back in time before the 1960's, when the revolution began and communism took over what was once a beautiful island. Being of Cuban descent, I have only heard how beautiful and lively Cuba was during the 1940's and 50's. Monica wanted to bring the theme clearly to guests without being tacky or too literal. What we came up with together was fabulous. 

For her place cards, we created a graphic of two dominoes. If you are not familiar with the game, take a look here. It is common in a Cuban household that one at least have a "deck" or set of Domino pieces or "fichas". Each domino is like a playing card, showcasing a set of numbers between zero and twelve. In the design we created, one domino was to signify the table number while the other had the guest's name. Monica attached rustic skeleton keys to each place card that doubled as a bottle cap opener. The keys would be used later at the reception when guests were treated to large Coke bottles, like the ones purchased from the Bodegas in Cuba. If a guest was confused about their table number, they could take a look at the back of the place card and find "Table __" written on the back.

On each table, there was a black frame that had a larger domino with the corresponding table number. We also created one for the Sweetheart table that was appropriately filled with hearts. 

Photography: J. Garcia Photography

Venue: Douglas Entrance

Favors: Imagine Wedding and Events

Keep a look out for Part II for more great photos from this unique, authentic wedding.

Location, Location, Location

Since we began in 2011, we have been an "out-of-the-home-office" business. It cut down on costs for rent as well as kept things simple. After some time, we began to notice the need for a space to show paper samples, talk design, and wow clients from all walks of life. It became increasingly apparent after one bridal event where the mere mention of meeting at Starbucks was enough the "see the light die in their eyes". I think in any party planning, there is expectation to what you, as the client, want to experience.

I'm sure we are all guilty of (at some point) having the marathon of "Who's Wedding Is It Anyway?", David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding", "Four Weddings" and of course "Say Yes To The Dress". As we watch the journey of each bride, we find ourselves wishing for the same experiences. I should know. I dropped a florist because of the lackluster consultation. I thought I would be able to see my bouquet put together in front of me (she, instead, looked through Google for photos during the consult when I had already sent her what I wanted for my bouquet through email)....that's how it happens on TV!!

So, we made the decision to branch out. Only One Mark is now sharing space with Soul Echo Studios. The studio is located at:

2307 S. Douglas Road, Suite 102, Miami, Florida 33145

We are open for appointments Monday through Friday from 6pm - 8pm. On Saturdays, we are open from 10am - 3pm. If you have an upcoming event you need invitations, place cards, or anything really, click this little button now and we can schedule your appointment today. 

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No more ambient noise from the barista, jazzy coffee-house music, and grumblings from caffeine deprived patrons. We're really excited to finally meet clients in a gorgeous space and can't wait for you to visit.

Growing and Learning

Its been some time since we've blogged. There have been so many changes to everything with Only One Mark that its hard to keep track of it all. 

For the past three months, we have been creating and expanding Only One Mark farther than I think either of us had ever imagined it could go. Let's start off with the fact that we are now on a couple different Wedding Planning Websites including: Wedding Wire, MyWedding, Wedding.com, and OneWed. We really want to service other brides and event throwers to get the help they want in regards to their event stationary. If you want to be able to incorporate Elephants flying on a trapeze on your wedding invitation, I'm going to ask you what color tutu they are wearing. Ok...maybe that is a crazy example, but that is what I truly believe we are set out to do. 

We are signing up for Webinars (yes...they have those for event/wedding professionals), Seminars, and even connecting with other event/wedding vendors to learn how we can best do what we do. Not just for us, but so we can provide the best service possible to you, our clients. 

Another way we are learning is through your responses and reviews once we have completed a service for you. We love getting feedback on how we did (no really, we do). That's why I would like to encourage you to do the following: If you've hired us to complete a service for you, we would love it if you would go to either one or all the websites we mentioned above to let others know about our services.

If you've left a review, YOU. ARE. AWESOME!!  If you haven't, please take the time to do so, cause you're awesome too. I want people to hear even a teensy bit of your story because I think it's worth it. You're story, like I learned long ago, may be someone else's story with a few changed details. It makes us all feel like we aren't alone. 

Something New

Every Bride follows the traditional mantra that others have used before them:

• Something Old
• Something New
• Something Borrowed 
• Something Blue

Typically, as was in my case, my wedding gown was my "something new". Even before I had started the "hunt" for the perfect gown, I had my own ideas of what I wanted in a dress. I wanted to feel beautiful and classic, but with a bit of the nontraditional. I had wanted to rent my dress, but knew that I would more than likely have to buy it due to my curvy figure. This also scared me since watching shows like "Say Yes to the Dress" and "My Fair Weddings" gave the impression that if you wanted to look exquisite in a dress, the price tag would be more than $5,000.

My attitudes changed after my one and only dress appointment at Brides of Florida. Their friendly attitude and encouraging words helped me find "The Dress". They had exactly what I wanted and were willing to listen to what I needed as a Bride. It was also a blessing that they have great pricing and payment programs. 

If you are still looking for your dress, definitely visit their website and make your appointment today. You'll be glad you did.