Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Windermere, FL 34786
(map) Phone: (407)296-4008 Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM - 6PM
Friday 10AM - 3PM
Making Your Event An Unforgettable One!
Meaning "joy of life," Joie de Vie celebrates the richness of your culture, authentically honors your spiritual traditions, and embraces you as an individual. Our refreshing approach reacquaints couples to the delight, anticipation and joy of planning an unforgettable event.
Reviews for Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
STAY AWAY!!! Unless you want to have to call this woman into court to get your money back, please find someone else.
Kerline Docteur has a reputation for being professional, so we didn’t think we would’ve had a problem with her. But, she was way too busy to return my calls when I needed her; although we paid close to $200 extra just for the convenience of contacting her. And she still had the nerve to remind us that we were not her only client when she finally did call back! To top it off she never really had an answer for my questions, she would just redirect me to the internet to find the answers (which I shouldn’t have had to pay someone $200 bucks just for that).
The 2 hour consulting section, as listed in her contract, lasted one hour and 30 minutes, per my calculation. She had nothing prepared for our meeting, and the whole meeting was about her teaching me how to surf wedding websites to get ideas, (which again, I had already done a thousand times on my own) and she kept insisting that I need to opt for her more expensive planner packages. Nothing productive was accomplished, to say the least. At this point I had less than six months to go for my wedding and had no idea exactly what we hired this woman for.
We also paid Miss Kerline close to $300 for a vendors list which she handwrote while we sat there at the meeting, (the list ended up being useless since we couldn’t fit any of those vendors into our budget, which she knew about. We were paying her while having to surf the net for affordable vendors.
When we told her that we weren’t going to continue with her services or lack there of, she refused to give us back any of the moneys or installment payments we had made for months in. It wasn’t until we got to the Courthouse that she admitted not to having earned any of the money, but only agreed to pay us some of it back with court costs.
Overall she is not a nice person to work with. She rolls her eyes and twitches her lips, making every conversation an uncomfortable one. I don’t think she’s in the right business to begin with. She doesn’t seem to understand the sentimental value associated with planning someone’s wedding.
Vendor response to review
We thank you for taking the time to post a review. Despite our legal right to enforce our contract, we've opted to not entertain your failed attempt slander our company and our brand.
With over seventy satisfied brides, our professionalism and excellent service speaks for itself.
Wishing you nothing but the best in your marriage.
My husband and I are overjoyed at how beautiful our wedding day went. Our coordinator did an outstanding job. She was very involved and hands on and was always had our best interest at heart. She truly made our event an unforgettable one as her mission statement commands. She was very thorough organized timely professional and precise. We would recommend her to anyone. We pray that her business is blessed beyond belief.
Kerline is AMAZING!! We didn't have much to work with but she was able to get us a wedding that looked like we spent a fortune- it was the most classiest event we could ever imagine and all of our guests kept asking how we were able to throw such an elegant wedding (complete with filet mignon and lobster on a revolving rooftop, by the way). Kerline was there every step of the way and the one thing we valued so much was having NOTHING to worry about the day of our wedding. We were able to enjoy ourselves the way we were supposed to without wondering if something was going to go wrong. We love that woman!
Kerline is sent from above. I was stressed out about our large Caribbean wedding, then I saw the Joie De Vie light! Professionalism is truly an under statement when one describes Kerline's work. I look at the pictures and want to do it all over again; our one year anniversary is right around the corner, and it is due to this wonderful person. Kerline's price is very reasonable, actually a little low in my opinion for the 150% that she gives. Her vendor list, creativity and eye for detail is hard to find; her time and work is worth so much more. I have told all my family and friends that Kerline's wedding planning will be my wedding gift; I just know a wedding is not the best if its not done by her. I will be calling her for baby showers and all of life's special moments; she is more than a planner, she is now a good friend. I truly know Kerline's work is hard to find. I am a very picky person and I can not say one bad thing about Kerline's work. I am speechless, she is truly the best of the best. I know one day her work will be in upscale magazines and her planning will be done for the elite; she makes you feel like royalty.
About Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Meaning "joy of life," Joie de Vie celebrates the richness of your culture, authentically honors your spiritual traditions, and embraces you as an individual. Our refreshing approach reacquaints couples to the delight, anticipation and joy of planning an unforgettable event.
Blog: Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Engagement Shoot: Valerie & Casey
I am looking forward to our wedding this weekend with this lively couple. Valerie and Casey are fun, loving and hilariously funny. Their families are the sweetest people in the world and I'm looking forward to this weekend. Tommy Murphy (Greenery Productions) recommended our services to this lovely couple as they finalized the fabulous details for their wedding day. Valerie & her future Mother-In-Law (Mama Aris as Valerie affectionately calls her) planned many of the beautiful details.
I was privileged to get a sneak peek of Valerie's gown yesterday and all I can say is BREATHTAKING!
All of the engagement photos that were captured by Erica D'Antona of Erica D Photography.
These are their babies! And believe me when I say they are spoiled rotten. If you have pets, this is a great way to incorporate them into your wedding day. Make them a part of your engagement photos or have them brought over on wedding day for a formal photo if your venue permits it.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. All Images used with permission from Erica D Photography©
Wedding Professional Wednesday: Cheryl Andrews - Cheryl's Distinctive Creations
I am happy to introduce you to Cheryl Andrews, our featured vendor for our Wedding Professional Wednesday series. I've know Cheryl for a few years and I she is one of our great florists in the Central Florida area. Cheryl is well respected in the Wedding Professional Community and is always lending her designs and talents to many of our great events in the area. Whether its traditional, contemporary, 'Green' or bohemian chic, Cheryl and her team can always give you florals that will stand out and become part of the lasting memories of your wedding day. We are happy to share with you our Q&A with Cheryl.
Name: Cheryl Andrews
Name of your Company: Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Inc.
Location: 1001 S. Division Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805 (Mailing: P.O. Box 568907, Orlando, FL 32856-8907)
Number of Years in Business: 16 years, I’ve been in the industry for 25 years
Website: www.cherylsdistinctivecreations.com
Blog Address: haven’t started blogging yet, but it’s under consideration
Twitter and/or facebook fan page: Facebook fan page
Tell us a little about your business and the services you offer:
We are a full service floral design company, specializing in events and weddings. Attention to detail and service, service, service are the number one priority of our certified floral designers and staff. Established in 1995 Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations provides peace of mind, giving our clients confidence that the job will be done right. We have been a part of many award winning productions throughout the country and constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve in design trends through education, networking, and providing a broad range of services.
How did you get started in the Wedding Industry?
I left a job after nine (9) years having developed the floral design department of this company single handedly to strike out on my own and began wedding floral design at my in-home studio. Through word of mouth the business has grown steadily to the thriving sought after company that we are today.
What professional organizations or networking groups are you a member of?
ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants), NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), charter member of ISES Orlando (International Special Events Society), Central Florida Florists Association (CFFA – sit on the Board of Directors) and Florida State Florists Association (FSFA)
Any industry awards or recognition?
CFFA Designer of the Year 2008, 3rd Place in FSFA Designer of the Year competition for 2009
Winner of FSFA Master Designer Tabletop Design Competition for 2008 and 2009
FSMD (Florida State Master Designer) certification 2004
ISES Esprit Award 2004 for Best Event Team Effort.
Furthest place and/or interesting place you’ve travelled to while working on a wedding assignment?
This summer we travelled to Hammock Dune (Palm Coast) for a wedding at this exclusive resort community. In 2006 we travelled to Paradise Island for a 6 day event at Atlantis Resort for a corporate event. We travel to Tampa on a regular basis for weddings and corporate events as well as Jacksonville, Palm Coast and South Florida.
What are a few suggestions you would make to couples as they are selecting a florist/floral designer for their wedding?
While price is always a high priority sometimes a low price on wedding quotations can come with a high price for the end result. I suggest that couples look for a certified designer who has longevity in the industry and can provide a consistent level of service to ensure there are no worries on your wedding day. Deal with a vendor that has been recommended by friends and/or colleagues that have provided good service and quality product.
What are a few trends and innovations you have seen in the industry?
“Traditional” weddings don’t really exist anymore, each couple should be able to get what reflects their desires and style for both ceremony and reception. There are so many new elemental products on the market these days to accomplish the trend of minimalist design for the hip, young and sophisticated couples of today such as rhinestones, crystals, diamantes, and wire just to name a few.
What are some of your favorite "reads" for all things floral?
I am an avid subscriber to industry magazines like Brides and Blooms, Flowers &, Fusion Flowers, Florists Review, and various bridal magazines.
If you weren't a working in this industry, what field would you be in instead? Why?
I think I would work as an interior designer. The creativity of putting together designs whether for the home or office through the use of colors, texture and other elements to marry a space with the client’s vision is a wide open door. Your success is directly measurable by the client’s satisfaction with the end product.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
When I have a quiet moment and nothing else to do I love to draw and I’m a bit of a dare devil; i.e., sky diving.
When not working on a wedding, what are your favorite pastimes?
Rest and relaxation on the beach or a remote island, music and design.
As you are planning your wedding, remember the importance of florals and decor. A great florist will make suggestions that will help to make your day a wonderful and memorable moment. Consider Cheryl's Distinctive Creations for your florals.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Real Wedding: Leslie & Joe August 23, 2009
This is going to sound rather cliché but we truly love our brides and grooms. It is always an honor to work with the couples as they plan the details for their wedding day. In the 7 months of planning with this couple, it was truly a great time of learning about both of them, their love for one another and the close & wonderful relationship they have with their families. They wanted to ensure that the day reflected that love and hope they shared. From the onset the couple set a few rules for their engagement experience:
1. Their faith was very important. They are active in their church and wanted to make sure they had time to participate in premarital counseling, church activities and deepening their faith.
2. No wedding planning during the weekend. They wanted to keep their weekends to do 'couple' activities that would continue to build onto the foundation they were building for their marriage. I loved it! Joe is an avid jet skier, so there were many times I would hear of them heading off to the beach or the lake.
3. They wanted a wedding coordinator to help them focus on the important details and take care of the planning so that their day to day activities would be minimally effected by the wedding planning...in comes Joie de Vie!
Both Joe and Leslie are very busy professionals. Joe is a local attorney with his own firm and Leslie works for a leading engineering firm. They wanted us to help them focus on the details that would become a fun, memorable and romantic day. The ceremony and reception were held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. Although heavy rain did not allow the opportunity to have any formal photos outside, the day was beautiful and everyone enjoyed themeselves. Here are a few photos from their photographer, Frank Figueroa of Franks Photography. The couple looked fabulous and the day was truly spectacular.
The bridal bouquet.
Details, details, details! I loved her shoes, and the Swarovski crystal jewelry. These lovely shoes have a 3.5" heel that the bride graciously wore the entire evening!
The couple exchanged vows under a simple yet beautiful chuppah. The beautiful florals, from Greenery Productions, was a great anchor for the ceremony altar. They incorporated a beautiful Hispanic tradition into their ceremony. Joe's aunts (who came in from Puerto Rico) presented the couple with a beautiful crystal and gold lasso from Puerto Rico. The lasso looked like a rosary and had two loops that could be placed over the couple. The lasso was placed over them as a sign of their true love and it also symbolized their uniting forever in a permanent and loving marriage.
I loved the fact that Leslie had each girl select a dress that fit their personality and style.
This cake! OH MY!! The bride's aunt gave her this cake as a wedding gift. Leslie's aunt is a cake baker that caters to the Hispanic community. She makes authentic Dominican Wedding cakes. Leslie and I visited her one evening design this beautiful cake. When we arrived at her home she was making sugar flowers, I was a fan instantly.
Leslie's stylist had her hair half up and down for the ceremony. For the reception with the removal of a few pins and moving her feather hairpiece up, Leslie had a new style.
First dance.
The wedding day is always a success because of the fabulous event team of professionals. I have to give a special thank you to all of them for their commitment to making this event a success. Our event team:
Planning & Coordination Joie De Vie Weddings & Events (Kerline Docteur) 407-206-4008. A special thank you to my assistants for the day, Arlene & Evelyn. The two of them ensured that all of our details were executed flawlessly.
Officiant Bill Mcintosh (Church in The Sun) 407-284-9456
Ceremony & Reception: Rosen Plaza Hotel - Robin Simmons 407-996-0254. Robin and her staff were fabulous. The Rosen Plaza provides so many options for couples planning their weddings. The uplighting was done in-house by PSAV.
FloristGreenery Productions (Tommy Murphy) 407-363-9151 X308. Tommy and his team at Greenery always give the client far more than they expected. Leslie's wedding was no exception.
Linens: BBJ Linen (Mike Cruz) 857-6566.
Cake Margarita's Cakes 407-350-3054. If you are looking for traditional Dominican cakes, Margarita's is your best contact. Fabulous designs with traditional recipes.
Entertainment Select Style Entertainment (Shawn Fernandes) 786-271-9017
Ceremony Keyboardist Edward Zapata 407-433-8994
Photography/Videography: Franks Photography (Frank Figueroa) 407-592-9217
Make-Up Leandra Montes (M.A.C. Cosmetics) 407-591-2145
Hair Ramona 407-301-7880
We wish Leslie and Joe nothing but the best in the future. There wedding was fabulous and all had a good time!
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. All photos used with permssion from Franks Photography© .
Wedding Professional Wednesday: Victoria Buus - Elegant Imagery
It's Wednesday!! Of course today is our weekly feature on Central Florida Wedding Professionals. Our Wedding Professional Wednesday series has given you the opportunity to learn about the great professionals in the area. Today's featured professional is the ever fabulous Victoria Buus from Elegant Imagery! I met Victoria earlier this year and she is such a wonderful person. Victoria has a fabulous eye and is a consumate professional.
We were delighted to have the opportunity to learn a little bit more about her and Elegant Imagery. We hope this gives you some insight into the woman behind the lens.
Name: Victoria Buus
Name of your Company: Elegant Imagery Photography
Location: Florida, New York, Worldwide
Number of Years in Business: Elegant Imagery is a fourth generation family owned business and has been capturing weddings for 35+ years.
Victoria has been photographing professionally for approximately 10 years.
Website: www.elegantimageryphoto.com
Blog Address: www.elegantimageryphoto.blogspot.com
Twitter and/or facebook fan page:
Twitter: PhotoQueenV
Business: ElegantImagery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elegantimagery
Tell us a little about your business and the services you offer:
Wedding Photography with the variety of traditional, modern, photojournalistic, candid, romantic and artistic. We also have a Photo Booth for wedding receptions.
How did you get started in the Wedding Industry?
I have been in the wedding industry my entire life. My father, a 3rd generation photographer, has been capturing weddings for over 35 years and I have been photographing them since I was 14 years old. At a younger age I was always helping out and constantly had a camera in hand taking pictures.
What professional/industry organizations are you a member of?
Perfect Wedding Guide, Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the Knot, and the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).
Joie de Vie's additional commentary: The PPA is the world’s largestAny industry awards or recognition?
nonprofit association for professional photographers. You should always ask your
professionals what organizations they participate in. The PPA sets a high
standard for its members and also helps them increase their knowledge of trends
and creative image making. ABC is also an international association. Like the
PPA, ABC sets a standard of ethics for its members as well.
2009 Best Photographer, 2008-2009 Real Wedding Award from The Knot, we have been featured in several local and national magazine publications, and television shows such as Lifetime Television’s Get Married.
Furthest place and/or interesting place you’ve travelled to while working on a wedding assignment?
I travel all over and the one place that never fails to amaze me is fabulous New York City!
The craziest thing you’ve ever done to get “THE SHOT”? Besides getting in water, stepping on ledges, and pulling amazing balancing acts, I would have to say sneaking up on birds at the beach. I went to one side and my bride and groom were on the other. Instead of walking, they decided to run through the birds. Of course I never thought about what direction they would fly (birds fly up, right?!)….they flew directly at me. Instead of running, I kept taking pictures. I felt like I was in a Hitchcock movie!
Joie de Vie's commentary: Sadly, when Victoria said this…I pictured her doing it in high heels! LOL
What is your signature shot?
In other words if someone saw a particular shot they would immediately relate it to your company. Every weekend, my goal is to create a new signature shot for my bride and groom. However, there is one I took of a couple in New Zealand I have received the most response from. The bride is laughing, lifting up her dress and you can see all her bridesmaids in the background giggling.
What are a few suggestions you would make to couples as they are selecting a photographer/photojournalist for their wedding?
Photography is the most important part of the wedding day as it is all you will have left to treasure forever. You want a reputable, experienced, organized photographer whom offers a variety of styles and dedicates their life to wedding photography... Not a weekend warrior!
Your thoughts on ‘first look’ photos or bride and groom photos prior to the ceremony?
The best idea ever. Take advantage of the day and spend time taking the photos you want. Not only will you have all the pictures you desire, you can actually attend your cocktail hour and relax! It benefits the bride as her hair, makeup and flowers are fresh. We still capture the priceless look on the groom’s face when he sees her for the first time and the pictures are much more intimate and special as you have time together to enjoy that moment.
Having a “first look” before the ceremony allows flexibility for the bride and groom and photographer while allowing more time to capture the photos the couple want. It is becoming the new “tradition”, but if you want to keep things traditional, you must have a photographer who understands how to make the most out of the time given to them.
I have worked wonders in 30-45 minutes with a bride and groom. Of course we love the 1-1/2 hours if possible, but this is a wedding, not a photo shoot where you can get the shot later. You only have once chance to get the shot, so make sure you have a confident and organized professional photographer.
Your thoughts on the importance of a coordinator in the vendor team dynamic?
I LOVE an organized coordinator. I am a very detailed person and it is wonderful to have another person help make the most use out of the time. Best use out of time=Optimum pictures. Organization is key!
Something you would like to see couples do more of with their wedding photography?
Of course “First Look” and more details! Details are eye candy for our cameras.
All of the coordinators and I thank you for this. Brides spend so much time on little details for their wedding. It is a fabulous thing when photographers capture the details!!
What are a few trends and innovations you have seen in wedding photography?
A huge trend right now is having a Photo Booth at the wedding reception. Our Photo Booth allows the guests to take home a souvenir/favor from the wedding and you receive pictures of your guests. This eliminates the disposable cameras as your never guaranteed to get them back or receive pictures of what you want.
Another trend: Shoes! All of my brides are splurging on their favorite pair of designer shoes that they can wear after the wedding. The shoes will also vary in color (their favorite color or their wedding color theme), not the matching white or ivory pair they may never wear again.
Are you a blog reader? If so, what are some of your favorite blogs besides the Joie de Vie blog?
I am very selective in the blogs I choose to read. I read blogs that inspire and enhance my photography skills such as www.photographyblog.com and the Joie de Vie blog.
If you weren't a working in this industry, what field would you be in instead? Why?
Egyptologist. I love the history and culture. However, I would be taking pictures of everything so photography will never leave me.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I am fluent in French, Turkish, and I belly dance.
Any hobbies or pastimes?
Shopping, shelling at Sanibel Island, vacationing, trying interesting and new foods.
Describe yourself or your services in four (4 words or less):
Stylish, Unique, Edgy and Ambitious
If you are getting married, definitely consider Elegant Imagery for your photography. Victoria and the team will capture your memories in such a unique way. Selecting your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you make as you are plannig the wedding. Consider the advice Victoria has given as you select your photographer.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
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